First on my list is Elizabeth Strout’s novel, My Name is Lucy Barton. A woman reconnects with her mother while recovering from an operation. Her story is told – the tensions and longings that propel her actions – from leaving her family, to choosing to become a writer, her marriage and parenthood. Expect intelligent storytelling and wonderful characters.S J Parris has a new Bruno book coming out. Dipping into the history of the philosopher/heretic, I had been worried that the series would end with his period in England drawing to a close. But no, Bruno has a new mystery involving court intrigue and religious politics, this time in France where murder strikes the court of Henri III. Parris tells a mesmerising tale, full of swashbuckling action and I’m sure the new book, Conspiracy, will be no disappointment. It’s out in May and I can’t wait.
The third book in Justin Cronin’s trilogy which began with The Passage is also out in May. Called The City of Mirrors it follows the story of Alicia of Blades who is drawn back to the ruined city of New York, now refuge to Zero, the first and the last of The Twelve. It looks as if the story has come full circle with a mighty showdown on the cards. With such a big cast of characters and a convoluted plot, a catch up read of the first two books might be in order to make the most of my enjoyment of the third.
Speaking of sequels and such, a few years ago Mary Doria Russell came out with a blinder of a western, though a literary and historically fascinating western at that, called Doc. It’s about the legendary Doc Holliday and was a poignant and exhausting read and brought the famous characters of Dodge City to life. I have been looking forward to the sequel, Epitaph, for ages. With the paperback due out next month, I’m hopeful it will finally reach New Zealand, as this book deals with the shoot-out at the OK Corral.A few wild cards:
Yann Martel polarised readers with his Man Booker winner, Life of Pi, and has an intriguing book coming out called The High Mountains of Portugal about the search for a lost relic. Expect plenty of philosophy and human insight as it takes the reader on a journey through Portugal in the 1900s. Released in February.Dominic Smith's novel Bright and Distant Shores was an amazing tour de force in 2010, but there hasn't been another book since - until now! Look out for The Lost Painting of Sara de Vos and expect a sweeping historical drama about art, fame and forgery. Due for release in April.
The retelling of Jane Austen continues with Curtis Sittenfeld’s novel Eligible, based on Pride and Prejudice. Sittenfeld is the author of Sisterland, and her Elizabeth Bennet is a magazine editor, Jane is a yoga instructor, while Darcy and Bingley are doctors. Could be interesting. Due out in April.
Posted by JAM
