The Bookseller.com

17th May 2008

Elaine Szewczyk

Elaine Szewczyk is the editor of Kirkus Reviews, which previews more than 5,000 books a year, two to three months ahead of publication in the US. In her blog, she will share Kirkus' latest starred reviews of books "of unusual merit".
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Elaine's debut novel, I'm with Stupid, will be published in July by Hachette.

Of Guterson and Galloway

03.04.08

Forthcoming books of unusual merit, as featured in the 1st April edition of Kirkus Reviews.

 

FICTION

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
UK publisher: Atlantic (1st May)
US publisher: Riverhead (15th May)

"Indelible imagery and heartbreaking characters give authority to this chilling story and make human a crisis typically overlooked in literature"

Four people struggle to stay alive in war-torn Sarajevo, remembering the simple pleasures of their old routines as they settle into horrifying, desperate new ones. On a day during the brutal siege of Sarajevo—an occupation that ultimately lasted years and claimed tens of thousands of lives—a mortar attack kills 22 people waiting for bread as a once famous cellist watches from his window. In tribute, he decides to play his cello in the street for 22 days, which will likely get him killed, given the hordes of snipers waiting in the hills above the city.

As violence rages in a city whose vibrance now lives only in the memories of its dying residents, the cellist continues his beautiful act of defiance, playing on through the bullets.

The Other by David Guterson
UK publisher: Bloomsbury (6th October
US publisher: Knopf (6th June)

"Philosophically provocative and psychologically astute"

Once again, Guterson, whose breakthrough novel was Snow Falling on Cedars, writes of the natural splendor of his native Pacific Northwest, though the ambiguity of isolating oneself in nature, rejecting family and society in the process, provides a tension that powers the narrative momentum to the final pages. The novel relates the life and death of John William Barry, whose mother and father come from two of Seattle's wealthiest families, but who forsakes his elite destiny to achieve posthumous notoriety as "the hermit of the Hoh."

When a novelist scores as popular a breakthrough as Guterson did with Snow Falling on Cedars, a long shadow is cast over subsequent efforts. Here, he succeeds in outdistancing that shadow.

Missy by Chris Hannan
UK publisher: Chatto (17th April)
US publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux (17th June)

"Don't miss it"

A feisty 19-year-old prostitute narrates--and dominates--Scottish playwright Hannan's adventurous first novel: a tale of America's Wild West during the late-19th-century Silver Rush.

Dol McQueen is one of the "flash-girls" who forsake the fleshpots of San Francisco to ply their trade in Nevada's Virginia City, where men are rumored to be newly rich and ripe for plucking. Dol is herself seduced by a blissful hit of liquid opium, illicitly acquired by a pimp named Pontius, who impulsively entrusts his stash to Dol for safekeeping. Gangs of hired thugs keep materialising, engaged to retrieve the fugitive opium and return it to the Chinese gang boss from whom Pontius stole it. The efforts of Dol and her cohorts to elude their pursuers suggest a black-comic gloss on Cormac McCarthy's doom-laden No Country for Old Men.

A rib-tickling picaresque romp with a heart of gold that even a hellfire-and-damnation preacher would warm to.

Still Waters by Nigel McCrery
UK publisher: Quercus (2nd August 2007)
US publisher: Pantheon (22nd July)

"A must read"

Chiller the author of Silent Witness, among others, sees deputy chief inspector Mark Lapslie  called back from the medical leave he's been granted as he struggles to cope with his synaesthesia to handle a case of serial poisoning and identity theft. The sleuths' patient research leads them to the horror of a house where 12 bodies are arranged at a table set for tea. As the hunt proceeds, Lapslie finds someone in authority doesn't want the killer arrested.

Alternate chapters are written from the viewpoint of the murderer, leaving no doubt who's guilty. But Lapslie's quest and the mystery behind it are reason enough to make this chiller a must read.

Hotel Crystal by Olivier Rolin
US publisher: Dalkey Archive (27th May)

"Elegant fun"

Visions of Italo Calvino's seminal postmodernist romp Invisible Cities arise as the reader enters the cleverly fabricated world of this novel, originally published in French in 2004, from Rolin. The book's modus operandi is explained in a mock-editorial foreword declaring that "each [chapter] describes a hotel room in minute detail…then goes on to relate an anecdote involving the author and this particular location." Thus protagonist and narrator "Olivier Rolin" trots around the globe fulfilling miscellaneous diplomatic and criminal missions, indulging varied sophisticated tastes, including gratifying dalliances with often exotic, occasionally dangerous women.

One of the most enjoyable "serious" novels in many seasons.

The Walking Dead by Gerald Seymour
UK publisher: Corgi (10th September 2007)
US publisher: Overlook (1st June)

"A thriller for all sides of today's war"

Seymour, whose previous novels include Rat Run, is a genuine master of the modern thriller, bringing together old-line British spies, a brilliant war-maimed American spook, a couple of classic crooks, a bankrupt professor, the literary ghost of a doomed idealist in the Spanish Civil War, a cell of disaffected young British Muslims, a brave but alienated copper and a half-English-half-Arab villain with a hatred for the West.

Heroics, religion, sex, torture, doubt and ever-increasing tension in a cerebral blend. 

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
UK publisher: Fourth Estate (7th July)
US publisher: HarperCollins (10th June)

"Highly recommended"

A stately, wonderfully written debut novel that incorporates a few of the great archetypes: a disabled but resourceful young man, a potential Clytemnestra of a mom and a faithful dog. Writing to such formulas, with concomitant omniscience and world-weariness, has long been the stuff of writing workshops. Wroblewski is the product of one such place, but he seems to have forgotten much of what he learned there: He takes an intense interest in his characters; takes pains to invest emotion and rough understanding in them; and sets them in motion with graceful language (and, in eponymous young Edgar's case, sign language).

An auspicious debut: a boon for dog lovers, and for fans of storytelling that eschews flash.  

NON-FICTION

William Wilberforce by William Hague
UK publisher: HarperPress (14th June 2007)
US publisher: Harcourt (1st June)

"Richly satisfying biography"

It took 20 years of struggle by William Wilberforce (1759–1833) before the House of Commons finally voted in 1807 to abolish the slave trade, observes former British Conservative Party leader. Hague paints a dynamic picture of Wilberforce as a man obsessed with his Christian obligations who continually excoriated himself for falling short.

Hearing today's leaders proclaim deep religious convictions, especially around election time, readers may feel that they don't make Christians like they used to.

Collected Essays by Gore Vidal
US publisher: Doubleday (17th June)

"A splendid, savvy distillation of the best from the veteran novelist and essayist"

This lively volume's raison d'etre is the inclusion of recent politically charged commentary, but most readers will huddle happily with its several golden oldies. For example, the included non-literary essays conclude with "Black Tuesday," a reaction to the events of 9/11 that draws the mordant conclusion that "each month we are confronted by a new horrendous enemy at whom we must strike before he destroys us."

Nearly six decades' worth of eloquent bile, dispensed with unmatched craft and wit.

Apples & Orange by Marie Brenner
US publisher: Sarah Crichton Books/Farrar, Straus & Giroux (20th May)

"Rich and masterful memoir"

Vanity Fair writer at large Brenner pens an absorbing account of her fractious relationship with her brother. In deft, nuanced prose, Brenner crafts a saga that is part family memoir, part psychological thriller and riveting overview of the US apple-growing industry. The nonlinear narrative never falters as it moves adeptly back and forth in time. Readers will be captivated by the author's unvarnished yet balanced portrait of her difficulties with a combative sibling who routinely ridiculed her leftist politics and peppered his conversations with tirades about bruised apples and pears. Foreshadowed in a stylish prose riff, the book's carefully executed denouement still packs a powerful punch.

A rich and masterful memoir with great value for aspiring practitioners of the genre, as well as discerning readers.

The Last Campaign by Thurston Clarke
US publisher: Henry Holt

"Tremendously moving chronicle of Bobby Kennedy's 1968 run for president"

Addressing the needs of a "wounded nation"—mired in the Vietnam War, complacent about poverty and inequity—Senator Kennedy announced his candidacy on March 16, 1968, offering to lead America back to "those ideals which are the source of national strength and generosity and compassion of deed." Incorporating accounts by a gamut of reporters, politicians, family and "Honorary Kennedys," as well as extracts from Bobby's own stunning stump speeches, Clarke compellingly recreates this "huge, joyous adventure."

Generous without being slavish, beautifully capturing Kennedy's passion and dignity.

The Power Makers by Maury Klein
US publisher: Bloomsbury 1st June

"Endlessly entertaining"

Business historian Klein, whose previous books include The Change Makers, brings the steam and electrical power revolutions memorably to life. The author enlivens the narrative in two ways. First, he tethers it to three industrial exhibits—the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia, the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago and the 1939 World's Fair in New York—all occurring within the span of a lifetime, each neatly showcasing for the common man (and the general reader) the successive fruits of the power revolution and together linking the steam to the electric era. Second, he sprinkles lively portraits of the uncommon men responsible for the stunning transformation in the way we live.

An endlessly entertaining and informative treatment of a vast, sometimes difficult subject.

CHILDREN'S

The Road of Bones by Anne Fine
UK publisher: Doubleday (2006)
US publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux (8th May)

"Succeeds brilliantly"

In a "sort-of Russia, in a sort-of 1930s, under a Stalin-type leader," young Yuri casually criticises his government and must immediately flee to the countryside, beginning a dark journey across a broken land. Fine's novel of ideas takes the form of an escape adventure and succeeds brilliantly on three levels: The crushing atmosphere of Stalinist Russia is brilliantly evoked; Yuri is a memorable character who retains his humanity in the face of all that was inhumane; and political ideas are made palpable as Yuri and other characters reflect upon their conditions.

A dark, intelligent novel for older readers. 

The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner
UK publisher: Orion
US publisher: Dial (1st May)

"Lush tale"

Although clearly reveling in the trappings of melodrama, Gardner keeps tight control over this lush tale of magic, betrayal and Revolution. Yann, of Roma blood, has been raised by the dwarf T'tu, and together they assist a famed stage magician. When the evil Count Kalliovski murders the magician, hoping to discover the secret of his astounding automaton, Yann is smuggled off alone to London, to safety and education. A hint of magic overlays the Dickensian complications, which include several sets of ill-fated lovers, secret letters, sinister automata, mystical Gypsy powers and a necklace of garnets found placed 'round the necks of a series of murder victims.

Gardner's heightened prose rarely falters, and teen readers will eat it up.

Playing with Fire by Derek Landy
UK publisher: HarperCollins (1st April)
US publisher: HarperCollins (1st May)

"Readers are in for a wild ride"

In a kicking sequel to Skulduggery Pleasant, 13-year-old Valkyrie Cain and her bony, ever-dapper mentor face off against both a sorcerer rated "11" on the 10-point Evil Villain Scale and the more-or-less unkillable chimera he raises up to summon back some terrifying elder gods. The plot speeds along amid a whirl of chases, last-tick rescues, one high casualty mele after another and plenty of snappy, hard-boiled dialogue.

Landy gives the term "deadpan humor" a whole new meaning; readers who prefer their heroes laconic and their action nonstop are in for a wild ride.

Savvy by Ingrid Law
UK publisher: Puffin (3rd July)
US publisher: Dial / Walden Media (1st May)

"Marvel-laden début"

Mibs can't wait for her 13th birthday, when her special gift, or "savvy", will awaken. Everyone in her family—except beloved Papa, who married in—has one, from Grandpa Bomba's ability to move mountains (literally) to Great Aunt Jules's time-traveling sneezes. What will hers be? Sending her young cast on a zigzag odyssey through the "Kansaska-Nebransas" heartland, Law displays both a fertile imagination and a dab hand for likable, colorful characters. There are no serious villains here, only challenges to be met, friendships to be made and some growing up to do on the road to a two-hanky climax.

A film is already in development, and if it lives up to this marvel-laden debut, it'll be well worth seeing.

Trick of the Tale by John Matthews
UK publisher: Templar
US publisher: Candlewick (1st May)

"Diverse in scope and rich in presentation"

Packed with humour and wisdom, this choice collection showcases the timeless, cross-cultural fascination with that most wily and wise character, the trickster. Whether they be hares, foxes, ravens, spiders, frogs, rats, coyotes, lions or crows, the tricksters in these tales use cunning and craft to survive and outwit when everything seems hopeless.

Tomic's gloriously rendered pen-and-ink illustrations teem with fascinating detail and capture these clever con artists in action.

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
UK publisher: Puffin (3rd July)
US publisher: Hyperion (6th May)

"Look no further for the next Harry Potter"

The fourth and penultimate volume of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is the best one yet. Here, 14-year-old demigod Percy must find a way to thwart Kronos's plan to reassemble his body and rally the evil forces of the underworld. Percy, quest-partner Annabeth and mortal Rachel Elizabeth Dare enter the Labyrinth and encounter all manner of wondrous beings: the vampiric empousai, snaky dracaenae, Laistrygonian giants, Calypso, the Sphinx, a Hundred-Handed One, Hephaestus, Daedalus and Kronos himself, newly transformed.

The often-philosophical tale zips along with snappy dialogue, humor and thrilling action, culminating in a climactic battle between gods and Titans. This volume can stand alone, but no reader will be able to read just one.

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
UK publisher: Simon & Schuster
US publisher: Hyperion (6th May)

"Wry, original supernatural romance"

Is it too many junk-food preservatives? Brain patterns rewired by first-person shooter games? Or simply a sign of the Apocalypse? No one knows why deceased American teenagers are returning as zombies (please, call them "living impaired"), but it's happening. At progressive Oakvale High, Phoebe, who was Goth long before this phenomenon, wonders why she is attracted to differently biotic Tommy.

Stephenie Meyer meets John Green in debut author Waters's wry, original supernatural romance, which blends sensitivity and deadpan humor to reflect a culture clash on both sides of the living spectrum.

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