In a few words
A remarkable collection about what it means to be human, winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize
In a few words
A remarkable collection about what it means to be human, winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize
The short story collection is constantly on the endangered list, but this stunning collection . . . shows that it is alive and in the best of health
A superb collection, brimming with humour and compassion
A breathtakingly assured collection of stories-powerful, moving, unsparingly honest-exhibiting a narrative confidence and range that is as remarkable as it is mature. A tremendous debut.
William Boyd
A promising and fiercely talented writer
More about
the book
In this dazzling collection, Nam Le takes us across the globe as he enters the hearts and minds of characters from all over the world. Whether it’s the story of fourteen-year-old Juan, a hit man in Colombia; an ageing painter in New York mourning the death of his much-younger lover; or a young refugee fleeing Vietnam, crammed in the ship’s hold with two hundred others, the result is unexpectedly moving and powerful.
This is an extraordinary work of fiction that takes us to the heart of what it means to be human.
More about
the book
In this dazzling collection, Nam Le takes us across the globe as he enters the hearts and minds of characters from all over the world. Whether it’s the story of fourteen-year-old Juan, a hit man in Colombia; an ageing painter in New York mourning the death of his much-younger lover; or a young refugee fleeing Vietnam, crammed in the ship’s hold with two hundred others, the result is unexpectedly moving and powerful.
This is an extraordinary work of fiction that takes us to the heart of what it means to be human.
Nam Le’s lyricism and emotional urgency lend his portraits enormous visceral power . . . A remarkable collection
Each voice is achingly present and authentic . . . ['Halflead Bay'] is as good as anything Tim Winton has produced about Australian society
A breathtakingly assured collection of stories – powerful, moving, unsparingly honest – exhibiting a narrative confidence and range that is as remarkable as it is mature. A tremendous debut
William Boyd
An assured and tremendously readable collection from a young writer with rare scope and strength
The short story collection is constantly on the endangered list, but this stunning collection...shows that it is alive and in the best of health.
An assured and tremendously readable collection from a young writer with rare scope and strength.
These are people on the edge, and Nam's prose captures their desperation...bold and worthwhile. Memoirists should stick to what they know; the point of literature is to expand the limits of the world. -
Aravind Adiga
Financial TimesLe has the ability to hit notes of real emotional intensity.
Hari Kunzru
Scotsman