Writers & Books today announced the selections for its
annual Debut Novel Series. This year, the literary organization has arranged
for both authors to visit Rochester simultaneously on November 3 and 4, when
Garth Greenwell and Hannah Tennant-Moore will partake in a number of joint
readings, discussions, and signings.
Each of the featured books are the author’s first novel.
Greenwell’s “What Belongs To You” tells the story of
an American teacher in Bulgaria who repeatedly solicits a young hustler, Mitko, for sex. Through his connection with Mitko, the American navigates his shame and desire, danger
and consequence, and locates startling parallels between his own repressive
past and the troubles of his adopted nation.
Tennant-Moore’s “Wreck and Order” follows Elsie, a young
woman adrift in the dissatisfaction of a bad relationship and dead-end job, through
a series of starts and stops toward better circumstances. In an “Eat, Pray,
Love”-like setup, the protagonist decides upon a drastic expansion — traveling
through Paris and Sri Lanka, she encounters people who challenge her, and
ultimately ends up confronting herself.
Events related to the literary selections kick off on
Tuesday, November 1, and culminate with author appearances on November 3 and
4. The novels are available for purchase at Writers & Books now. For a full
schedule and more information, visit wab.org.
This article appears in Aug 17-23, 2016.
