The Birdcatcher

Jones, Gayl

£16.99

Set in the 1970s, ‘The Birdcatcher’ is narrated by writer Amanda Wordlaw, whose closest friend, a gifted sculptor named Catherine Shuger, is repeatedly institutionalised for trying to kill a husband who never leaves her. The three form a quirky triangle on the white-washed island of Ibiza. A study in Black women’s creative expression, this latest work from Jones shows off her range and insight into the vicissitudes of human nature.

Available on backorder

Publish Date: 13/09/2022

Description

FINALIST FOR THE 2022 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD

The Birdcatcher is the new novel from a major voice in American literature, which explores artists in exile, dangerous relationships and the demands of creativity.

‘A literary giant, and one of my absolute favourite writers’ – Tayari Jones, author of An American Marriage

‘I am living on the white-washed island of Ibiza with my friend Catherine Shuger, a sculptor who has been declared legally insane, and her husband, Ernest. Standing on the terrace, sheltered in the smell of oranges and eucalyptus, washed in sunlight, you’d swear this was a paradise. But to tell the truth the place is full of dangers. You see, Catherine sometimes tries to kill her husband. It has been this way for years . . .’

‘My name’s Amanda Wordlaw. Wonderful name for a writer, isn’t it? . . . I guess I’m sort of a choice companion for the Shugers – professional watcher and listener that I am. It’s like they need someone else to witness the shit, the spectacle they make of themselves.’

‘A fascinating meditation on Black female creativity from the author of Corregidora and Palmares . . . Vivid characters shimmer through the pages’ Suzi Feay, GUARDIAN

Additional information

Weight 360 g
Dimensions 220 × 152 × 24 mm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Hardback

Pages

224

Language

English

Edition

Hardback original

Dewey

813.6 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K