The novel I’m reading is Xan Brooks’s The Catchers set in the 1920s American South. I’m not very far in but I’m enjoying this story of a travelling song catcher who records hill-country musicians on behalf of a New York record company in search of the next national hit. Lots of colourful characters.
The short story collection I’m reading is Colin Barrett’s Homesickness. I’ve read three stories of which the most memorable sees a man shoot an intruder, a known villain saved by a police officer left unsure that she’s happy about the outcome. I’m enjoying it although not as much as the puffs from favourite authors including Kevin Barry, Brandon Taylor and Douglas Stuart led me to expect. Can’t quite put my finger on why.
What about you? What are you reading?
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I was slightly disappointed by Barrett’s debut novel Wild Houses too, despite all the puffs it garnered. I just felt I’d read it all before. The Xan Brooks sounds good though – I read Shirley Collins’ account of song-catching with Alan Lomax which was fascinating, so a novel based around that subject sounds irrestistible.
I’m a big fan of Kevin Barry’s short stories and was expecting something of the same calibre with Homesickness. I like the sound of the Collins.
I reviewed it for Shiny: https://shinynewbooks.co.uk/america-over-the-water-by-shirley-collins
That’s great! Thanks, Annabel.
I was underwhelmed by Wild Houses as well (it was submitted for the McKitterick Prize).
Not just me, then.
Wild Houses disappointed me. I think Young Skins is a fantastic collection, but I don’t thik he has reached those heights since.
That’s a shame. Perhaps I’ll try Young Skins.
The Tarlo sounds interesting- it reassuring that she sought permission too.
It’s very much a friendship based on respect and equality. I found it both moving and cheering. I finished it this morning and it will leave quite a hole to fill.
I’m glad you’re enjoying The Catchers because it’s in my TBR pile, bought because it was longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize. I didn’t get on with his previous book The Clocks in This House All Tell Different Times unfortunately, although I did finish it. That was also longlisted for the Walter Scott in 2017 so they must have seen something in it I didn’t.
I’m about halfway through now and things have become quite dramatic! I hope you enjoy it, Cathy.
The Catchers sounds interesting.
Last #book I finished: The Perfect Day, by #IraLevin
#Amreading: Kappa, by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
#Amlistening to: Brulez tout, by #ChristopheMolmy
#TBR Reading next: Guilt, by #KeigoHigashino
It is, and has become quite dramatic since I wrote this post. All new to me apart from the Levin.
Unusually for me after reading one of your posts, only one book appeals here – the Tarlo. Reserved at the library already!
Good choice! I’ve found it a solace over the past week or so with the world apparently going to hell in a handbasket.
Indeed. And with the two rail disasters here in Spain making the situation even more sombre.
Absolutely, the second not far away from where you’re staying, I think.
Indeed. No local rail services at all just now.
The Tarlo sounds wonderful.
I loved it. I’m sending it to a relative who’s having a hard time at the moment.
An interesting trio!
Under the Hornbeams, now finished, was my favourite.