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libbysbookshelf 's review for:
Lot: Stories
by Bryan Washington
LOT by BRYAN WASHINGTON
Dylan Thomas Prize Longlist #10
So, this book started with uncertainty for me. Perhaps it was my book hangover from Hamnet, perhaps it was because I had to get used to this writer’s voice, which is strong and doesn’t wait around for anyone to catch up. And I like that. He’s unapologetically himself. Sometimes I find myself on the back foot if I haven’t got some American or Texan or Spanish reference, but that’s my bad, not his.
The book is about the power of the place you’re from. In many ways, it reminded me of Black Car Burning in its themes. It describes Houston and its people in such a way that you feel like a eavesdropper, a visitor. I always love it when I read something that has a completely new feel and this book definitely has that. It’s a series of short stories, but they all tie in with each other and running through this stories is a continuous narrative about, presumably, the writer’s own life. I liked these bits the best.
I’m glad I persevered with this book because I’m really enjoying it now. Maybe I’ll have to go back to Inland after all.
Dylan Thomas Prize Longlist #10
So, this book started with uncertainty for me. Perhaps it was my book hangover from Hamnet, perhaps it was because I had to get used to this writer’s voice, which is strong and doesn’t wait around for anyone to catch up. And I like that. He’s unapologetically himself. Sometimes I find myself on the back foot if I haven’t got some American or Texan or Spanish reference, but that’s my bad, not his.
The book is about the power of the place you’re from. In many ways, it reminded me of Black Car Burning in its themes. It describes Houston and its people in such a way that you feel like a eavesdropper, a visitor. I always love it when I read something that has a completely new feel and this book definitely has that. It’s a series of short stories, but they all tie in with each other and running through this stories is a continuous narrative about, presumably, the writer’s own life. I liked these bits the best.
I’m glad I persevered with this book because I’m really enjoying it now. Maybe I’ll have to go back to Inland after all.