‘The Same Country’ Released Today
I’m thrilled to announce that my debut novel, The Same Country, is being published today. Events have been set up, so far, in Cardiff, London, Winchester, Swansea and Southampton, but first, let me tell you about the novel.
Described by the author Gish Jen as a story that “unearths long-buried truths that remain the truths of America,” the novel follows three women haunted by the past when they find themselves back in their hometown. Twenty years before, Joe was shot dead in the bedroom of his white girlfriend, Aggie. It was deemed an accident, but now Cassie – a journalist – is not so sure. As racial tension ignites a string of violence across their New England city, secrets are revealed, questions mount and suspicions grow. Will the answers that they are so desperate to find cause everyone’s world to shatter?
‘The heart thrums with each sentence—a truly thrilling read.’ – Eric Ngalle Charles, author of Homeland and I
‘Astute, powerful and pacy’ – Claire Fuller, winner of the 2021 Costa Novel Prize
And remember to write a review! On Amazon, books with at least 50 reviews are then eligible for promotions and special offers. Even a few short words can help out a book tremendously. (And do this for other writers, too.)
Join me in person this autumn!
So far, I’m having two launches — Wednesday 6 September in Cardiff and Wednesday 13 September in London — and you can book your place now.
Other events include a reading in Winchester on Thursday 28 September, where you can hear me talk about The Same Country with the novelist Judith Heneghan - places are limited at P&G Wells so book now. Two days later, on Saturday 30 September, catch me doing a signing and reading at Cover to Cover at 2 pm in Mumbles in Swansea, and finally, join me at Southampton’s October Books on Thursday 2 November as I am interviewed by my wonderful colleague, the novelist Rebecca Smith.
Short pieces on The Same Country
It’s not a coincidence that my novel has a similar title to James Baldwin’s searing novel, Another Country — I didn’t dare re-read his book until I was completely finished with my own. It is as moving, intelligent, searing as I remember — so much so that I felt compelled to write about it, and that essay will be appearing on LitHub sometime in September.
That’s the book on my desk - the same copy I read thirty years ago. It seemed utterly important that I was reading the same physical book again — that these same fingers, years later, were turning the same physical pages. An echo of an echo.
I also have an Artist Q and A running in the Wales Arts Review, part of a new series that I am honored to be a part of, along with artists such as Philip Gross and Clive Hicks-Jenkins. And also look for an article about me in the Western Mail.
Just Read, Currently Reading and Want to Read
I’ll start with what I’m going to go to bed with any moment, even though it will keep me awake: Time and Tide by Edna O’Brien. What a ferocious writer! She is wildly inventive with form and language, and unblinking on her gaze at our world.
I’ve recently read Claire Fuller’s The Memory of Animals - Claire does a delightful sleight of hand with flashbacks here, and “memory” and “ animals” have multi-layered meanings…a fascinating read. Vesna Goldsworthy’s Iron Curtain challenges us in the west to reconsider what freedom is, and Fran Hill’s Cuckoo in the Nest is a moving book which also made me laugh.
I was lucky enough to interview Mary Kay Zuravleff about her novel American Ending for the Washington Post - a subtly political novel which, as it tells the story of one immigrant family, explores the paradoxes — historical and contemporary — inherent in being American.
So many books to look forward to this autumn! Zadie Smith, Alice McDermott, Jesmyn Ward and Donna Hemans all have novels coming out in the next months, and I recommend every one.
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I’m just beginning this newsletter, so if you know someone who you think would enjoy it, do share this link. And remember, you can keep up to date in between emails on my web site, www.caroleburns.com.