Clear-Cuts - by Joshua S Narins (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A father's legend . . .

A family's ancestral lore . . .

And two brothers will all collide.

From the author of False Neutral comes Clear-Cuts, a raw, visceral, unflinching tale about the ties that bind coming unbound. Set in the rough-hewn woods of northern Maine, Clear-Cuts is a tense, fast-paced New England narrative related in Mr. Narins' trademark compact time signature. Piercing and resolute in tone, relentless and unwavering in storytelling, Clear-Cuts is a dynamic, immersive reading experience for plot-centric devotees and character-driven fiction fans alike.

2024 Distinguished Favorite - Independent Press Award

2024 Distinguished Favorite - NYC Big Book Award

2023 Finalist - The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, U.K.

Review Quotes

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

'A strongly plotted, often gritty novel filled with fully formed, complex characters.'

The Wishing Shelf, STAR RATING 5

I must say, I very much enjoyed this gritty, character-led novel from the pen of talented author, Joshua S. Narins. Concisely written, this family drama works hard to offer the reader a compelling insight into sibling rivalry. Mr. Narins is, in many ways, a man of few words; there's very little in the way of flowery prose here; it's all very tight, compact, with excellent pacing. Jane Austen would turn in her grave!

So, what's it about? Well, in a nutshell, it's the story of Jack Dougherty who returns home for the funeral of his father. What follows is very much a dark, family drama, with plenty of sparks flying between Jack and his younger brother, Michael. Another character, Jacqueline, also brings much to the story; so much so, she almost steals the show.

There were many elements to this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the author works hard to bring the characters to life. As a result, the reader gets to know them, warts and all. And, trust me when I tell you, there are plenty of warts with this cast of characters!

I also enjoyed the no-nonsense writing style; saying that, it is literary in parts, but the author seems to understand the importance of pacing, and keeps things moving all the way to the end.

Finally, the author's a dab hand with dialogue, using it to successfully develop his characters and the plot.

So, if you happen to be looking for a well-written story that's sexy, satirical, and gritty you'll probably enjoy Clear-Cuts. I think most readers will enjoy the 1990s setting, and the general unpredictability of the plot and the characters.

All in all, it's a bit of a gem.

'Wishing Shelf' Book Review - STAR RATING 5