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A Literary Twofer
July 9, 2008

Today I'll be interviewing two authors for my vlog, which isn't unusual in itself; what is slightly unusual is that these two authors are on tour together. I thought I'd tell you a bit about their books before I conduct the interviews, to maintain a sliver of objectivity.

Ross Raisin and Willy Vlautin are both published by HarperPerennial, and that's where their similarities end.

Raisin, whose debut novel Out Backward (its UK title was God's Own Country) might best be described as a psychopath's picaresque, hails from Yorkshire and uses that dialect to brew a narrative as strong and bracing as that region's tea. (Here's a clip contrasting Raisin as first-time author with Julian Barnes, so you can hear his Yorkshire accent.) His protagnoist Sam Marsdyke will teach you more about sheep farming than you thought you wanted to know -- and you'll be amazed to discover you're completely enthralled by his descriptions.


Vlautin's sophomore effort is Northline, following his acclaimed The Motel Life -- Vlautin is also the frontman for indie band Richmond Fontaine, members of which recorded the novel's accompanying CD soundtrack. Come to think of it, his book might be a picaresque, too -- this one with a female protagonist. Allison Johnson flees a dead-end life and an abusive boyfriend for the extremely dubious charms of Reno, her only self-help tool imaginary conversations with Paul Newman. It's a spare book that shows how the smallest items and actions can give hope.

If you happen to be in the DC area, the pair will be appearing here. They'll be at KGB Bar on Sunday.

Posted by Bethanne Patrick on July 9, 2008 | Comments (0)