The novel I’m reading is Rupert Thomson’s How to Make a Bomb which begins with an academic returning from a conference, experiencing what may be a breakdown. I’ve just started this one and am a little uncertain, hoping it won’t be a run-of-the mill mid-life crisis novel. I’ve enjoyed several of Thomson’s novels, although others not so much, so we’ll see.
The short story collection I’m reading is Claire Keegan’s Antarctica. I’ve only read a few stories, the most arresting of which is the titular opening piece which sees a woman intent on her first infidelity with disturbing results. As ever, Keegan’s writing is beautifully expressed, her stories carefully controlled with endings that bring you up short. I was surprised to find this collection was published in 1999, long before I learned to appreciate short stories
What about you? What are you reading?
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I’m a great fan of Claire Keegsn too and love the sound of Thunderclap.
The Cumming is such a treat. I’m googling the paintings she mentions which works well.
I enjoyed How to Make a Bomb, finding it interesting and readable, even if it is about a Privileged White Male living out a cliche. I’ve had Thunderclap in my sights for a while too.
That’s encouraging. Thanks, Margaret. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Thunderclap. She’s such an engaging, knowledgeable writer.
I still have to read Antarctica. I loved Cummings On Chapel Sands so Thunderclap has been on my radar. I am engrossed in A Waiter in Paris. Also reading Rebecca Solnit’s latest essay collection No Straight Road Takes You There. Poetry wise I am dipping into Seamus Heaney’s 100 poems collection. A compendium of his poems chosen by his family. I was at the Heaney exhibition in Dublin last week. It’s excellent
A Waiter in Paris is excellent, isn’t it. Very sobering. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the Heaney.
I worked in the hospitality industry in Ireland and it’s a tough gig. But Chisholm’s book shows it’s a whole different level in Paris.
Hard work, usually thankless. Not something I’ve done but I can imagine it.
I had mixed feelings about How To Make A Bomb. It was one of those books that made me feel I wasn’t quite clever enough to appreciate the nuances. And the ending confused me.
I’m alternating between rereading Time of the Child by Niall Williams, one of the books shortlisted for the Winston Graham Historical Prize, (I’m on the judging panel, a new experience for me) and my book club’s pick, When The Cranes Fly South by Lisa Rizden.
Thanks for the warning, Cathy! Are you enjoying being a judge?
I’ve only read one book by Rupert Thomson – Death of a Murderer- about a police constable tasked with guarding the body of Myra Hindley as it lies in a mortuary. Needless to say, it was very thought provoking.
Claire Keegan is one of my favourite writers. I read Antarctica in 2024, and thought that first story was superb, but I can’t remember any of the others. I was in a book shop this morning and my hand hovered over Walk the Blue Fields, her second short story collection, now I’m regretting that I didn’t buy it!
I’m about to start Western Lane by Chetna Maroo.
Death of a Murderer sounds quite disturbing. All of the novels I’ve read by Thomson have been very different from each other. I’m a bit further along with this one and I’m intrigued.
The story, Antarctica, starts quietly enough, although there’s a sense of dread building towards the end. Some of the others I’ve read are quite dark, too. Hope you enjoy Western Lane. It’s one that’s stayed with me.
It’s been years since I read Antarctica but I remember thinking it was a strong collection. Hope you enjoy the remaining stories!
Thank you! I’m sure I shall.
I can remember only the first story in Antarctica – quite a disturbing tale. I’m coming to the end of Sugar and Slate by Charlotte Williams; a fascinating memoir
It’s a very striking story, isn’t it. So far, they’ve all been quite dark. I like the sound of Sugar and Slate. Clever title, too.
What a beautiful cover for Antarctica!
The cat’s eyes are unnervingly blue but it is lovely.