“On the Radar” provides small incidental rundowns on books which I’ve discovered, but haven’t yet purchased. These are titles that I’ve either added to my wishlist or am keeping a close eye on, with a view to adding them. In addition, these are books which I feel may be of some interest to fellow readers, and I welcome feedback as always, on your own opinions and thoughts on the listed titles – especially if you’ve already had the pleasure of reading them.
Betrayal by Karin Alvtegen [ISBN: 9781841959368] – Those who read the blog may remember that I recently read and enjoyed Alvtegen’s latest English-translated novel Shadow. When I finished reading it I made a mental note to read the rest of Alvtegen’s translated back-catalogue; no specifics just a resolution to work my way through her other works some day. Things kind of changed though when McKinley Burnett the English translator of Shadow dropped by and took the time to recommend which Alvtegen title I should be reading next. How could one ignore a recommendation from one of the people who probably gets closer to the novels than anyone (although in Betrayal’s case the translation was by Steven T. Murray)? I couldn’t and so Betrayal is firmly ‘wish listed’ as my next Alvtegen read. Many thanks for that Mr. Burnett, and for taking the time to grace us with your presence. :: source of discovery [right here on RobAroundBooks]
The Sound of Building Coffins by Louis Maistros [ISBN: 1592642551] – I was doing my usual round of online book trawling today when I stumbled across this intriguing little novel. The first thing that grabbed me was the title. It willed me to look at the featured extract, the start of which reads: “The short legs of the mulatto boy pedaled the rickety bicycle southeasterly down the bumpy, ballast-stoned streets of the French Quarter. A burlap bag, full of fresh fetuses, sat loosely at the center of a chicken-wire basket tied between handlebars. As the cobbled surface of Customhouse Street gave way to the rocky dirt of the levee, the bicycle slowed and sudden turbulence bounced the contents of Typhus’ burlap sack. Easy does it, thought Typhus. Should have tied those babies in, he knew, but Doctor Jack had run out of twine.” That’s beautifully composed isn’t it? And the mention of a sack full of fresh fetuses? How can one NOT want to read it further? It’s not published in the UK until next month (2nd April to be precise) but I’ve definitely got my radar locked onto it. :: source of discovery [Toby Press website]
About Rob
Thank you, kind sir, for the mention on your fine blog.
All best wishes from your friend in New Orleans,
Louie
says:
Louis – A great honour to have you drop by. Many thanks for your kind words and best of luck with the novel. I’m sure it’s going to do well!