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.
This week, the three samples that have been on my Kindle the longest (so, no idea why I have them).
Ablutions by Patrick deWitt
Summary: In a famous but declining Hollywood bar, the barman (also an author) begins to serve himself more often than his customers. He hatches a terrible, but necessary plan of escape.
I’m thinking: Maybe (but I think there are some other deWitts I should prioritise).
The True Deceiver by Tove Jansson
Summary: Two very different women in a small town. One has something the other wants. It all plays out over a snowed-in winter.
I’m thinking: No (alas it was one of those samples that was all ‘introduction’ and no novel).
The Round House by Louise Erdrich
Summary: Coming-of-age story about a boy who seeks justice in the wake of a terrible crime.
I’m thinking: No (didn’t immediately pull me in).
I enjoyed Ablutions but if you have Sisters Brothers or French Exit, read them instead.
I finished French Exit a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. Will add Sisters Brothers (I recall when it was released how much others enjoyed it).
I’ve been ‘planning’ to read Louise Erdrich for a while because I want an idea of Indigenous writing outside of Australia. I looked up The Round House and it’s second in a trilogy (and yes, a horrible crime).
I have her novel, LaRose, in the TBR stack and I think I’ll start there (now I’m wondering if it’s part of the trilogy…?). On her Goodreads page, she lists a number of emerging Native American writers that she admires, including Winona LaDuke and Brandon Hobson.
I’ll advocate for The Round House. You don’t have to read the series in order. Very powerful novel. I loved Ablutions but The Sisters Brothers is awesome too!
I thought The Round House was excellent, and the writing is beautiful. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Highly recommended.