Nottingham’s independent bookshop | 14a Long Row, Nottingham NG1 2DH | 0115 8373097
This novella tells the story of Johnny and Diane Laski – a sculptor and his wife – and their attempt to bring a new life into the world, during a cold winter, deep in the Maine countryside.
William Kotzwinkle describes the couple’s night-time dash to the hospital; the wife’s long labour; and the, ultimately, unsuccessful breech birth.
Unafraid of his subject, Kotzwinkle destroys any sentimental illusions about the beauty of childbirth – or the distance of birth from death.
He reminds us of how closely the two are intertwined; of the frightening power of the life force; and of the unpredictability and uncanniness of death.
And yet, his small book is not without hope…
“…Reveals a depth of emotion and an immensity of feeling seldom seen in American writers today.” — The San Francisco Review of Books
“A beautiful piece of work…the economy of the writing and the matter-of-fact acceptance make it immensely moving.” — Daily Telegraph
“A deeply moving book. The textures of its delicately conveyed anguish, simplicity make its grief all the more stunning.” — Publishers Weekly
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Five Leaves Bookshop
14a Long Row
Nottingham
NG1 2DH
0115 8373097