I’d not come across Ethan Canin’s writing before a rep gave me a copy of For Kings and Planets in my bookselling days. Given my liking for New York settings, I was keen to read it and enjoyed it so much the proof is still sitting on my shelves.
Early one morning, on the eve of their first semester at Columbia University, Marshall Emerson introduces himself to Ortho Tarcher beginning a friendship which holds true for them both despite its many vicissitudes. Marshall is an urbane New Yorker, the son of a well-to-do family who claim Ralph Waldo Emerson as their ancestor whereas Ortho, a mid-Westerner, is a first-generation university man. As Ortho falls under the spell of Marshall’s family, it becomes apparent that perhaps the Emersons are not quite what they seem. When he falls in love with Marshall’s sister, the friendship takes a new turn. I loved this subtle, beautifully written novel and have since read several others by Canin, none of which quite matched this one for me.
What about you, any blasts from the past you’d like to share?
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I don’t know this author at all, but this sounds really tempting! I’ll look out for him.
Lovely understated writing, and a sensitive portrayal of male friendship.
I’ve never managed to read Canin, though I’ve come across him several times over the years. A Doubter’s Almanac is the one I’ve heard most about. It seems I’d have most luck finding his work secondhand in the States.
This one stood out for me. I don’t remember any of his books selling particularly well here, sadly.