So, later that night, when all in my household had eaten their supper and fallen into one of two categories ... dozing on the sofa or showering for an night out, I slipped out to the library - yet again. To tell you the truth, it was a different library to my earlier 'Author Visit' and I consider myself very lucky to have three libraries reasonably close [although I have to admit, I wouldn't like to walk to any of them].
I arrived early - something of a rarity, and finished a few emails in the car whilst waiting for he alloted time. I entered the library with three minutes to spare and typically for me, everyone had begun; the audience glued to the speaker, the speaker, presenting his work. Pink-cheeked apologies later, I slipped into the back row. The truth stared at me from the hand-out. 'Award Winning Author, Michael Stewart: 7.15p.m.' I was clearly fourteen minutes late.
Fortunately, Michael stopped, said 'Hello' and blended back into his story, making me feel totally at ease. With the same ease, he read, explained and discussed his novel, his characters, publication and personal background with an interest and warmth that was captivating in itself.
The novel? Oh yes, that sounds really interesting too. I haven't read it yet because I wanted to listen first, then read, for a change. So I've typed out the blurb for you and here it is :~
'Ashley is everything Cooper isn't, he's tough and good looking, with so much street cred he can divvy some up for Paul as well. When they get into trouble with a local gang, they steal a car and head for the Lakes - Ashley because he thinks he may have killed somebody and Cooper because he wants to seee ravens. Their fight is hectic and intense, and in the middle of it all one of them meets a girl and the other feels pushed out. The three of them find refuge for a time in Helvellyn, but things ar falling apart and soon their road trip makes national headlines ... for all wrong reasons.'
'Michael Stewart is a fascinating new voice, and King Crow is a fine debut novel. Part action thriller, part psychological drama, part birding manual, I've come across nothing quite like it. It's a fantastic example of modern fiction at its innovative best.'
Melvin Burgess
Go to: www. michael-stewart.org.uk
Can't wait to read it.
Gillian
Ha! The first three paras made me chuckle - how embarrassing, still it's also a good way of getting noticed is it not?
ReplyDeleteLiking the line that says '... part birding manual' - unusual combination - I'm not strictly a 'birder' (I have a broader interest in natural history) but that caught my eye - like a magpie perhaps?