Taft - by Ann Patchett (Paperback)

About the Book

A repackage of Ann Patchett's novel Taft, about a middle-aged black man who runs a blues club in Memphis.

Book Synopsis

A New York Times Notable Book

"As resonant as a blues song. . . . Expect miracles when you read Ann Patchett's fiction."--New York Times Book Review

An ex-jazz drummer wants nothing more than to be a good father in this moving family novel by the New York Times best-selling author of The Dutch House.

When John Nickel's lover takes away his son, Nickel is left only with his Beale Street bar in Memphis. He hires a young waitress named Fay Taft, who brings with her a desperate, dangerous brother, Carl, and the possibility of new intimacy. Nickel finds himself consumed with Fay and Carl's dead father--Taft--obsessing over and reconstructing the life of a man he never met.

A stunning artistic achievement, Taft confirms Ann Patchett's standing as one of the most gifted writers of her generation and reminds us of our deepest instincts to protect the people we love.

From the Back Cover

"A New York Times" Notable Book A moving emblem of fatherhood s rarely explored passion. "Los Angeles"" Times" Absorbing . . . Strikingly original. "Kirkus Reviews"John Nickel, an ex jazz musician, wanted nothing more than to be a good father, but when his son is taken away Nickel is left only with his Beale Street bar. He hires a young waitress named Fay Taft, who brings with her a desperate, dangerous brother, Carl. Nickel finds himself consumed with Fay and Carl s dead father Taft obsessing over and reconstructing the life of a man he never met. But his fascination for Taft and his sympathy for these lost, young strangers soon take him down a twisting, darkening path. A stunning artistic achievement, Taft confirms Ann Patchett s standing as one of our most gifted writers and reminds us of our deepest instincts to protect the people we love. A stunning artistic achievement, "Taft" confirms Ann Patchett s standing as one of our most gifted writers and reminds us of our deepest instincts to protect the people we love. Patchett writes with remarkable conviction and attention to telling details. Jane Smiley in "Mirabella"ANN PATCHETT is the author of six novels, including "Bel Canto"," " winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize. She has written for the "Atlantic"," Gourmet, " the "New York Times Magazine, Vogue, " the "Washington Post"," " and others."

Review Quotes

"As resonant as a blues song. . . . Expect miracles when you read Ann Patchett's fiction."
- New York Times Book Review
"A moving emblem of fatherhood's rarely explored passion." - Los Angeles Times
"Absorbing. . . Strikingly original." - Kirkus Reviews
"Patchett writes with remarkable conviction and attention to telling details." - Mirabella

About the Author

ANN PATCHETT is the author of six novels, including Bel Canto, winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize. She has written for the Atlantic, Gourmet, the New York Times Magazine, Vogue, the Washington Post, and others.