Alix Hawley's Blog, page 8

UBC Okanagan has chosen All True Not a Lie In It as its Fall 2016 One Book selection! We'll have lots of events in October, from readings and book club-type discussions to a clever panel of experts--Indigenous studies, English lit, psychology, economics (!)--giving their takes on the book (I'll be lurking in the back for that one). See the site now for dates and ideas. And if you're not in the Okanagan to join us in person, keep checking the site for readers' questions, etc., too.

We are really happy to announce that rights to All True Not a Lie In It have been sold to China. Any bets on what the re-translated title will be?

We are beyond delight at having a jacket quote for the US edition of All True from the great Joyce Carol Oates, whose work I've loved since I read Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? in high school.  (I just finished The Accursed, her latest novel, a hell of a ride as usual, and am looking forward to sinking into her new stories in Lovely, Dark, Deep). Here's what she says:

"Alix Hawley has written a boldly original, mysterious, and provocative novel—the demythologizing of an American icon (Daniel Boone) and his reinvention as a figure of poetic luminosity.  She is Cormac McCarthy’s young heiress, with a light and forgiving heart."

So make mine a triple this time.

My US publisher and I are extra delighted to have a jacket quote for All True from the terrific Ben Fountain, author of Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (you can see the Ang Lee-directed film version this November!).  Here's what he says:

"This rich and wonderful novel imagines us so deeply into the mind of Daniel Boone that the stuff of his legend--the explorations, the conquests, the super-athlete woodsman feats--seem almost incidental to the soul-twisting trajectory of his intimate life.  Family, love and loss, the longing for home, the intensity with which Boone lived these dramas help to explain the superhuman drive of this man, and Alix Hawley brilliantly renders every aspect of his story."

​Time for more drinks, no?

. . . in which I review David Adams Richards' new novel, Principles to Live By, for The Globe and Mail. It's a heartbreaker. 

Here's a new piece I wrote for The Millions, on Netflix's Happy Valley and the Anne Bronte influence. If you haven't seen the show, give it a try. Sarah Lancashire is impeccable in it. And you might see some more Bronte hints too.

I'm so thrilled to have a quote from Philipp Meyer, the Pulitzer-nominated author of American Rust and The Son, for the US edition of All True. Here's what he says about it:

"A stunning debut that will stand the test of time. Hawley's book is a deep dive into the character and mindset of one of the most legendary figures of the American Frontier. Though it is accurate down to the smallest detail—every page reads as shimmeringly, intensely real—the novel wears its historical mantle lightly. It is stylistically and psychologically brilliant, truly a great novel."

Right, it's drinking time. Cheers.

 My review of Richard B. Wright's new novel Nightfall, a sequel to October, is in The Globe and Mail this weekend. I've been reading a lot of books about age lately. In my own sequel to All True (it's coming), Dan is facing the troubles and consolations of getting older too, so this was an especially timely read for me. Always interested to hear your thoughts as well.

My review of Graham Swift's new novel, Mothering Sunday, is out in the Globe and Mail today.  The book is clever and surprising. I'd like to hear what you think too.

Here are some of the official pictures, taken by the gallant Monica Miller, from the BC Book Prizes at Government House last weekend. I got to hug the Honourable Judith Guichon and pose with the less honourable yet very lovely Children's Book Prize winner Susan Juby, among others. We should do it again.