Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye.
Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume
Why I have it: It was recommended when I wrote about Irish misery-porn.
Summary: Irish-misery-porn told from the perspective of a dog.
I’m thinking: Yes – the writing could be described as almost lyrical. I want more.
“He is running, running, running.
And it’s like no kind of running he’s ever run before. He’s the surge that burst the dam and he’s pouring down the hillslope, channelling through the grass to the width of his widest part. He’s tripping into hoof-rucks. He’s slapping groundsel stems down dead. Dandelions and chickweed, nettles and dock.”
Hot Milk by Deborah Levy
Why I have it: Because I loved Swimming Home.
Summary: A young woman travels to southern Spain, in search of a cure for her mother’s unexplainable illness.
I’m thinking: Yes. Levy is so good at creating a sense of place.
The State We’re In by Ann Beattie
Why I have it: Probably because I love Maine.
Summary: Short-stories set in Maine.
I’m thinking: No, didn’t grab me.
I’ve not read any of these but I’ve heard good things about Spill Simmer Falter Wither. I’d need a guarantee nothing awful happens to the dog before I read it though…
Spill, Simmer… is one of my favourites from last year. Superb writing!
The dog in the story is disconcertingly resilient, but he’s not nicknamed “One Eye” because he resembles a pirate. It’s for the sad, distressing life of the dog’s newly adopted “master” that I’ll be offering up no guarantees. Here’s my Goodreads reviews of Spill Simmer Falter Wither.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1542201997?book_show_action=false
I think you recommended it to me in the first place David. Looks fantastic.
I have Spill Simmer but haven’t got round to it yet although the opening few pages are fabulous!
Of all the samples I’ve read this year it’s probably one of the few that took all my willpower not to buy immediately!
I have Hot Milk on my radar as well. Hoping I can get to it in a timely manner 🙂
My wish list is still outstripping my reading rate 😬
I do love Maine, but I’ve never heard of that collection. Also, though completely irrelevant, warm milk completely turns my stomach.
*completely* (apparently)