The first part of September’s preview includes several titles I’ve already read beginning with Patrick deWitt’s Dodge City. Set in 1967, it follows Lee who takes to the road after his draft notice is served. He’s set himself up with a drive-away, ostensibly delivering an E-Type Jaguar to New Jersey, which will take him across the country, calling in on various scattered members of his family who all think Lee should knuckle down and serve his country, before heading for Canada. Every day he calls Cal, the woman he’s almost been living with, who finally picks up on the last day of his journey. There’s a touch of Wes Anderson about Lee’s story which is delivered with an entertaining wit rather than the more outlandish humour of French Exit or the slapstick of The Sisters Brothers. Review shortly…
I was a huge fan of Louise Kennedy’s short story collection, The End of the World is a Cul de Sac, and even more impressed by her debut novel, Trespasses, beautifully adapted by the BBC last year. Stations follows Roísín who meets Red when they’re teenagers in 1982 beginning an unlikely, unexpected friendship. When Roísín wants more from their relationship, Red rebuffs her, spiralling downwards until her funny, knowledgeable Dickens-quoting friend becomes withdrawn into a drug fuelled daze. Their friendship fades into the background for Roísín until, in 2007, Red’s mother asks her to find him, forcing her to re-examine her own past. Very disappointed not to see this one on the Booker longlist. Review soon…
Emma Cline’s immersive new novel, Switzy, was one of two of my Booker wishes to be fulfilled. It follows a successful businessman in his seventies as he travels to Zurich via London, where his estranged daughter and her family live, accompanied by his young assistant. David has another goodbye to make just over the border from Zurich. He’s not seen or spoken to Tom since the sadistic hazing his best friend endured in their last days at boarding school watched by David. The following day, Cody accompanies David to his final destination, returning to the States alone. David’s journey unfolds in an interior monologue made up of short episodic paragraphs, his mind already severely frayed, unravelling further as he travels. Cline’s writing is strikingly polished, peppered with occasional flashes of dry black humour. Review to follow…
I enjoyed Hernan Diaz’s cleverly structured Trust a few years back making me keen to read Ply which sounds very different. Set several centuries into the future, it follows an orphan who grew up adrift in an American city and now steals electricity to fuel the vibrant music scene with which she’s become involved. When she follows a trail which leads her to a scientific experiment, she begins to question both the nature of reality and her own identity. ‘Set in a future filled with both uncertainty and promise, Ply is a powerfully humane novel that interrogates the role of technology in a deeply changed society’ says the blurb promisingly.
Colm Tóibín’s brief novella The Bridge picks up the story of Miquel and his father from The Long Winter, still living together in the family home from which Miquel’s mother walked out into the snow, never to return. A bridge is being built that will link two valleys, ending their isolation, which his father sees as an opportunity, but Miquel envisages disaster. ‘With meticulous precision and an unerring eye Tóibín captures lives caught between the past and the present, and the journey of a young man seeking connection, haunted by loss’ says the blurb.
That’s it for September’s first batch of new fiction. As ever, a click on a title will take you to a more detailed synopsis for any that take you fancy. Part two soon…
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Hmmmm – for me, unfortunately quite a few writers here that I’ve either struggled with in the past (Kennedy, Diaz), or used to like but have slowly gone off (Toibin, Barry). Although, I was highly suspicious of Emma Cline’s The Girls so skipped it, but this new one does sound good.
I did read The Girls and enjoyed it up to a point but it was hyped to the skies. Switzy is much more interesting.
So much good fiction coming up next month, especially historical fiction. I’m excited for The Newer World because I believe it has connections to Days Without End and A Thousand Moons, both bokks I loved. I have an ARC via NetGalley but I’m being very strict with myself and not starting it until I’ve finished my August publishing ones!
I suspect I might see a few other September ARCs I’ve got on your next list.
I think you’re right about The Newer World. I’m impressed by your self control!
Your first three are all on order for me. Must-reads. So many excellent books due this autumn.
Agreed! I hope you enjoy all three, but particularly the deWitt. I know you’re a fan
Given my taste, September is full of temptations! Even though his new one sounds quite different from Trust (which I loved), Diaz is such a talented guy it automatically goes on the TBR. I’m a more moderate fan of DeWitt, but I do follow his writing; so another TBR entry for Dodge City (you’re right — it does have a Wes Anderson vibe). I’m already committed to Emma Cline’s Switzy (I’m trying to read a few of the Booker nominees) and I routinely read almost anything by Toíbín. Last but hardly least, Kennedy’s Stations sounds quite intriguing . . . Looks like September is going to be a busy month!
It’s a really strong month, isn’t it. Another batch of books to come next week but I think this week’s the best.
I’ll be reading the first three for sure. The Diaz I’ll wait for some more reviews.
The Diaz doesn’t instantly appeal but I enjoyed Trust so much I’m keen to read it.
I really like deWitt, and I loved Trespasses, so the first two I definitely want to get to. Some big hitters this month!
Both excellent! I hate to mention it but Christmas is on the horizon for publishers.
Oh there are some rich offerings in this group. I liked Trust. Loved Kennedy’s Trespasses so this new book is going right on my tbr stack. I loved deWitt’s French Exit. And the two Irishmen keep on giving. I am currently reading Paul Harding’s Booker shortlisted This Other Eden. A beautiful, lyrical book.
It’s a great month, isn’t it. I’ve read Enon but not This Other Eden. One for the list!
I didn’t realise there was a new deWitt and I certainly didn’t know that Trespasses had been made into a series – I loved that book. Hopefully it’s available to watch in Australia.
Superb adaptation! Louise Kennedy was involved in it. I hope you can find a platform streaming it.
Lots of great authors here. I’m a fan of Diaz so looking forward to Ply and I am almost finished Stations and agree with you that it should have made the Booker Longlist.
A startling omission. Fingers crossed for next year’s Women’s Prize.
Indeed!
Oooh several books I hadn’t heard about before now. I have my eye out for the Louise Kennedy. I haven’t read Trespasses, and have vague plans about it, but the new one somehow tempts me more.
Both novels are excellent and I’d also recommend her short stories. Such a fine writer.
Looking forward to Ply – it does indeed sound very different to Trust! I’m not sure about the Kennedy – I enjoyed Trespasses but not as much as everyone else. So I’ll see if your review manages to persuade me – no pressure… 😉
I feel I’ve been set a challenge! I’ll do my best. I’m not sure I would have been persuaded by Ply’s blurb if I’d not enjoyed Trust so much.
That’s how I feel too – I’m “trusting” him!
I’m definitely picking up Switzy, Toibin’s sequel, and the new Louise Kennedy. Curious about the others, esp. the Diaz and Barry. The fall line up this year is stacking up to be a good one.
Isn’t it great? I think it’s the best in a few years.
I’m interested in everything here, but am making my first port of call The Bridge, as I so loved The Long Winter (at least in part because of my own connection with the Pyrenees).
Of course. It’s interesting that he felt he couldn’t leave those two characters.
They got under my skin a bit too.