Small Town Intrigue

.

Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming

By Laszlo Krasznahorkai

Translated by Ottilie Mulzet

PURCHASE

Krasznahorkai’s latest may also be his last, he claims, but if that’s the case, it’s an absolute high note for this legendary Hungarian novelist. A man returns to his small Hungarian hometown, escaping a dark past, only to find a treacherous landscape of gossip and crime. Like Krasznahorkai’s greatest works (of which there are many), what’s important is less the plot than the tone and style, full of winding sentences and lingering moments. This novel will haunt you. Perfect for readers who want to immerse themselves in rich prose.

**WINNER OF THE 2019 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR TRANSLATION.**
.

Fall Back Down When I Die

By Joe Wilkins

PURCHASE

A gripping story set in a fractured and misunderstood community, Fall Back Down When I Die is a haunting and unforgettable tale of sacrificial love. Wilkins’ debut novel demonstrates a sense of place and character that rivals even the most seasoned novelists. Perfect for readers who love the smell and dirt of the outdoors.

**FINALIST FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION’S 2019 FIRST NOVEL PRIZE**

.
.

In West Mills

By De'Shawn Charles Winslow

PURCHASE

This rich and arresting debut follows the struggles of the self-possessed Knot and her relationship with Otis Lee, a compulsory fixer who is resolved to saving his loved ones from themselves. Knot loves men, alcohol, and books, and as their relationship develops, Otis Lee finds it increasingly difficult to figure out his familial troubles. Lovers of Zora Neale Hurston’s fiction and nonfiction work will enjoy Winslow’s distinct voice.

**FINALIST FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION’S 2019 FIRST NOVEL PRIZE**
.

Olive, Again

By Elizabeth Strout

PURCHASE

What a pleasure to be in the presence of Olive again, the irascible, unforgettable character whose beating heart is a well-kept secret. Olive makes a decade-long journey toward seeing herself more clearly to become a better person. We’d love her anyway.

.
.

The Unpassing

By Chia-Chia Lin

PURCHASE

A profound debut novel, The Unpassing is the story of a Taiwanese immigrant family struggling to survive on the outskirts of Anchorage, Alaska. Amidst their daily challenges, the youngest daughter Ruby falls fatally ill. Soon after, the family’s father is sued over an improperly installed water well and the chaos that ensues unearths what really happened to Ruby. Steeped in raw emotion, anguish and suspense, Chia-Chia Lin illustrates an immigrant reality that dismisses the myth of the American dream.

**FINALIST FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION’S 2019 FIRST NOVEL PRIZE**