Ahhh it’s October. I hope you are enjoying fall where you are. It’s been nice here the past few weeks and I love the colors. But wait, what’s this I hear … they’re calling for 10 to 20 cm of snow today on Monday; are you kidding me?! Darn, the only happy camper will be our dog, Stella, who enjoys the cold. We’ll see how much we get. Meanwhile there’s only three reading months left of the year, so I’ll try and bear down to get to some of the better novels of 2017. This month an array of new releases look to be enticing and I’ll discuss those in the paragraphs that follow, but first I’ll leave you with a couple of brief reviews of what I finished last week.
Rachel Cusk’s 2014 novel “Outline,” the first in a trilogy, is one of the more different novels I’ve read this year — the story follows a woman who travels to Athens to teach a summer writing workshop and details the conversations she has with various people and friends she meets there. Not much is divulged about the woman herself but those she’s in contact with tell her much about their daily lives, such as their loves, losses, ambitions, perceptions and things that have happened to them. Quite a few of them have been divorced or have had relationships that have fallen apart.
They spill the beans to her, so the woman must be a sympathetic listener, though she isn’t much of a talker. You get only glimpses of what she’s about and her background. Over time from bits and pieces you gather: that she’s from London, she’s divorced, has two sons and is in debt. Only towards the end do you learn her name is Faye. It seems her divorce has been rough on her — like quite a few of those narratives she listens to — which are from students, or fellow writers or friends or the man she sits next to on the plane. All of the narratives put together feel sort of like a meditation on the relations between men and women.
It’s not much of an action story, more of a thinking one, but I found Cusk’s writing kept my attention. Her descriptions were restrained but often pitch perfect; they seemed to capture some of Faye’s inner mood and the different kind of living she mentions trying to start. A few people have told me they didn’t care for the novel and I can see where it wouldn’t be for everyone — a story made out solely of conversations between various people and the main character — can get old, but for the most part I thought Cusk wrote it well enough to pull it off. She seems quite a smart cookie and though I’m not sure I understood everything she mentions in her short novel, I appreciated the command of her writing.
I eventually plan to get to her second book in this trilogy — “Transit” — which has recently been shortlisted for Canada’s 2017 Giller Prize.
Next up, I finished the audiobook of Graham Norton’s 2016 debut novel “Holding,” which I’m pleased to say was a total delight. I went into the story blind and didn’t realize until after that the author is a TV and radio presenter in the U.K. Do you know of him? His novel is about a small village in Ireland whose inhabitants’ lives are disrupted when decades-old human remains are discovered on an old farm. The remains are suspected to be those of Tommy Burke, a former love of two different ladies in town. As police Sergeant PJ Collins tries to solve the case (the first real one of his career), a lot of resentments, secrets and regrets are stirred up in the community along the way.
It’s an enjoyable small caper of a story — revealing the lives of half a dozen characters in the village. I got right into it and found the storytelling quite entertaining, especially with a bit of the spotlight on overweight Sergeant PJ Collins, who is quite a sympathetic hoot. You’ll have to wait till the very end to find out about the case, but that’s not really the story’s main appeal. Instead it’s the frumpy village and the characters stories. I thought it had a lot of charm and heart to it — as well as being funny and sad at times too.
The author reads the novel for the audio and performs all the parts very well — making it one of my favorite audios of the year. Who knew? I wouldn’t be surprised if a second novel with police sergeant PJ Collins were to follow.
But now on to October releases and my, there’s a slew of upcoming ones by an array of well-known authors, including Alice Hoffman, Isabel Allende, Mark Helprin, T.C. Boyle, Jeffrey Archer, Walter Isaacson, and even a memoir by Amy Tan. I’m zeroing in on a few others that I’d like to get my hooks into.
Most noticeably the marketing has been high for Jennifer Egan’s new novel “Manhattan Beach.” Gracious it’s been all over the place. If for some reason you were on Mars and missed her Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel “A Visit From the Goon Squad,” which I did, then there’s time to get back onboard with this more traditional historical novel of hers. It’s said to be set on the Brooklyn docks during WWII and follows an intrepid young woman into a world populated by gangsters, sailors, divers, bankers, and union men. Hmm, I’m game as I need to try Egan out. She seems to be the literary darling of most every critic.
Also Jeffrey Eugenides has a collection of short stories out called “Fresh Complaint” that I probably will grab. Ever since he won the Pulitzer Prize for “Middlesex” and I read his novel “The Marriage Plot,” I’ve been keen on his fiction.
The stories in this new book are said to be ones he’s been steadily producing through the years; even his M.F.A. thesis is included within it. I may not be a frequent reader of short story collections, but if it’s from Eugenides then I must venture forth for it. Still I must ask: when is his next novel coming out?!
Next up, there’s British author Naomi Alderman’s dystopian novel “The Power,” which won the 2017 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction. A protege of Margaret Atwood’s, Alderman’s book was influenced by and dedicated to her. It’s apparently about teenage girls who develop the ability to inflict pain through jolts from their fingers, thus enabling them to become the dominant gender and resetting the world’s order. As the Guardian’s reviewer says of the book: “What starts out as a fantasy of female empowerment deepens and darkens into an interrogation of power itself, its uses and abuses and what it does to the people who have it.” Hmm, count me in.
Lastly in books for October, I’m curious to check out Irish author Jon McGregor’s novel “Reservoir 13” and perhaps C. Morgan Babst’s debut novel “The Floating World” too. Apparently McGregor’s latest is an atmospheric novel that begins as a mystery about a disappeared 13-year-old girl in an English village and morphs into something a bit different. Instead it chronicles the lives of the villagers over the years and the impact the girl’s disappearance has on them. McGregor seems to be a rising star with three of his four novels being longlisted for the Booker Prize, so I’m game to try out this new one.
As for C. Morgan Babst’s novel “The Floating World,” which is also getting high praise, it’s about a New Orleans family that is shattered and scattered by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Said to be another essential Katrina story, it “explores family, race, class, and the essence of disruption,” so says author Walter Isaacson, who calls it a powerful and lyrical novel. I still haven’t read Jesmyn Ward’s novel about Katrina “Salvage the Bones” — but this one sounds like I need to add it to the pile as well.
In movie releases for October, there’s a lot coming out. For those “Blade Runner” fans the sequel “Blade Runner 2049” looks to be very favorable with critics scoring 85 on Metacritic and 96 on Rotten Tomatoes. Still even though I like Ryan Gosling and all that, I’m not really keen to see it. Don’t ask me why — the trailer just didn’t appeal to me.
But I am a bit interested to see the movie about the early law days of Thurgood Marshall, the first black Supreme Court justice who served 24 years on the high court. It’s called “Marshall” and stars Chadwick Boseman — who played Jackie Robinson in the movie “42” — as Thurgood. Apparently it’s about a lawsuit he worked on before his landmark case Brown v. Board of Education. I wonder why they didn’t choose that case for the movie?
I’m also a bit curious about the murder mystery, crime thriller “The Snowman” based on the book by Norwegian author Jo Nesbo. The movie stars Michael Fassbender as Detective Harry Hole who investigates the disappearance of a woman whose pink scarf is found wrapped around an ominous-looking snowman. I haven’t read the book, but I rarely skip a major Fassbender film (with the exception of the “X-Men” stuff). He’s usually divine.
Neither of the movies “Marshall” or “The Snowman” has received any reviews yet, so I’m winging it on my picks. I couldn’t seem to select the Idris Elba/Kate Winslet plane-crash flick “The Mountain Between Us” because the content of its trailer seems to strain credulity left, right and center, but perhaps the movie could make a decent rental if you want to be stuck with them, lost on a mountaintop.
Finally in albums releases for October, there’s new ones by Liam Gallagher, Beck, and Robert Plant among others — all worth listening to. Though since I’m a fan of folk music, I’ll pick The Weather Station’s new album, which is conveniently titled “The Weather Station,” and is a Canadian band fronted by Toronto songwriter Tamara Lindeman. She’s quite good.
That’s it for me. What about you — which October books, movies, or music are looking forward to?
We’re having a few cool days but it’s going to warm back up soon.
I know some people who would probably love Outline but I don’t think it’s for me.
Hi Kathy, yeah I don’t think you’d like Outline too much — as there probably needs to be more of a storyline. Still she can write! Enjoy your fall days.
No snow in the forecast here, but it’s fair game after mid-October. I’m not looking forward to it at all! Am adding both Outline and Holding to my wish list, but holding off on Manhattan Beach for now. Early blogger reviews has been lukewarm at best… very disappointing since I loved Goon Squad. I’ll give it a try sometime next year.
Hi JoAnn, we got hit hard by a snow & windstorm on Monday and now have quite a bit of snow on the ground. I think it will melt away by the end of the week. It’s hard to believe so early! Thx for the news on Manhattan Beach; I might delay it till November. Enjoy your week.
Yours is the third favorable review I’ve read about Outline. The mystery sounds very good. I haven’t read anything favorable yet about Manhattan Beach. I won’t be eagerly awaiting the release of Blade Runner 2049; I saw the original last week and found it meh. Let’s see if this year’s crop of Oscars’ contenders are any good because I have had a really difficult time lately pairing up the TV shows I’ve watched with decent movies to review in my Snapshots.
Yeah Carmen, I don’t think I’ve seen a good movie since Dunkirk. I hope more good ones will come before Christmas. I will skip the new Blade Runner film and perhaps delay picking up Manhattan Beach. Too many other things to read at the moment. As for Outline, it’s quite an unusual book but the writing is good and the novel is kept short. So that helps. I’m listening to the audio of Lincoln in the Bardo at the moment. Enjoy your week.
We have been unseasonably warm here on Long Island.
Many of these books look so good. I plan to read The Power shortly after its American release. It seems that it will fit in with the series of novels that I have recently read about matriarchies.
Hi Brian,
It’s good you are having an Indian summer there on L.I. We got snow here yesterday, yikes! I thought you would go for The Power as I remember the other sci-fi ones you’ve reviewed. I plan to get to it too. I hope it’s good. We can compare notes on it. Cheers.
Happy October, Susan. And some love to Stella too. I enjoyed reading Rachel Cusks’s ‘Outline’. Much to my dismay, her memoir ‘Aftermath — On Marriage and Separation’ didn’t quite agree with me. She is a terrific writer though.
I won ‘Reservoir 13’ in a giveaway. The silvery hardbound is staring at me from the shelf. I shall get to it sometime soon.
Michael Fassbender is a stud, isn’t he? I would totally watch the movie for him although I haven’t read the book yet.
Hi Deepika, I agree with you Fassbender is divine, ha. I’d follow him around anywhere. Luckily he’s the good guy in this new film. And I hear you — about Rachel Cusk, I need to choose her books carefully. I will stick with this trilogy. The Reservoir 13 novel might take me awhile to get to — but it’s on my horizon sometime. Glad to hear you have it on your shelf. Enjoy your week!
So many books to read, and so little time! I didn’t realize that Cusk’s books were part of a trilogy, so thanks for pointing that out. We’ll see if I get to Reservoir 13 this year still. Probably not… 🙂
I’m sending some sunshine and warm temperatures your way. Our weather is not very October-like yet.
Thanks TJ. We got dumped on with SNOW yesterday but hopefully it will melt away by the end of the week. It’s way too early for that much snow! There seems quite a bit of hype about Jon McGregor’s writing so I shall try one of his books in the not too distant future. The good thing about Cusk’s books — is that they’re written well and they’re short — and I’m a bit curious what will happen to her invisible main character in the next 2 books. Enjoy your fall.
Graham Norton is a hoot to watch! He does a talk show on BBC! Thanks for the book review, something to look forward to!
Give Stella a big cuddle for me!
Viv
Hi V, I figured Norton must be fun to watch as his novel is quite entertaining. Good grief I hadn’t heard of him here, but I’m glad to know you’ve watched his show. I guess from your years in the UK. You Missed the snowstorm yesterday! Lucky you. Hope things are great there. Keep in touch. SW
Holding looks tempting.
I was eyeing Manhattan Beach, as I have enjoyed some of Egan’s earlier books…but I did not love A Visit from the Goon Squad, so I am reluctant to try again.
I might wait and read some reviews first.
I am definitely curious about The Floating World.
Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog(s).
Hi Laurel, I think you would enjoy “Holding” — it’s a small caper of a story with interesting characters. And I agree I’m lured by The Floating World. There seems to be some pushback on Egan’s book — but I’ll probably have to find out for myself if it’s not a winner or is. Hmm. Thanks for coming by!
We’re getting some pretty nice weather over here for this time of year! I hope your snow is gone for Thanksgiving!
I have to admit that the writing in Outline was wonderful (and you can tell she’s a smart cookie. Well, of course… she was born here!). It was the kind of book that I was happy to read while reading but felt very little desire to pick it back up when I put it down. So about half way through I stopped making myself. But now I kind of wish I’d kept going, because I’ll soon be reading Transit. Ha! Oh well…
I would love to read Reservoir 13. I’ve heard it’s very good.
Good news Naomi, we’ve reached 18C today so most of the snow is all gone, yea! I admit Outline wasn’t that thrilling reading to me, so I’m actually hoping for a bit more with Transit. (I also need a good break in between reading these two.) I’m glad you’re considering Reservoir 13 too. That might be the ticket.
Glad to hear it warmed up again. And an update on Transit – I liked it better than Outline. I think get to know Faye a little better.
Great to know. I figured Transit must be a bit better. I will get to it in time. thanks.
Agree on Outline. I too will read Transit soon. Very excited about the Jennifer Egan book though it sounds like a departure for her. Sorry I am late responding. I usually get an email notice when you post but don’t think I did this week. Should have known though when I saw you on Twitter. Ah, it has been a jam packed week for me.
Happy End of Year Reading!
Hi Judy, no problem. You have a lot of reading groups and other things going on there. I’ve had a lot of other bloggers telling me they didn’t like the new Jennifer Egan book, ugh too bad, though I’ll probably try it regardless. Also I know you’ll get to it first – and let me know. Enjoy your fall books!
So much good stuff! I saw an interview with Graham Norton in which I learned about his book. I find him delightful, so I guess I’m not surprised his book is too. I might add that to my TBR.
Manhattan Beach is also on my TBR but judging by Sarah’s review, I’m not terribly optimistic. I’m also reading The Power right now and it’s turning out to be a dud, which is a HUGE disappointment.
I CANNOT wait to see The Snowman. It looks amazing! Also, The Mountain Between Us. I plan to read the book before I see the film.
Hi Kate, that is very disappointing about The Power, argh! Also Manhattan Beach is getting dissed as well. Oh no! Thank goodness for Graham Norton; he seems funny just from his novel. Check it out if you can. I hope the Snowman will be good. Thx for stopping by.
Snow already! My dog would love that too. It’s unseasonably warm in Maine.
I love your previews since I no longer track adult fiction. Still, I’ve seen Manhattan Beach everywhere. I think I might want to read Goon Squad first, which my husband loved. I did not know that Eugenides had a story collection. I’ll check it out since I loved Middlesex and enjoyed the Marriage Plot.
Hi Sarah, yeah I’m a Eugenides fan too. I think I’ll see if I can find his story collection at the library. And from what I’m hearing, it sounds like readers like “Goon Squad” much better than Manhattan Beach, so perhaps I should read that one first too. Thanks for stopping by! We have a few snowflakes tonight but it should warm up by the weekend.