Varying Degrees of Hopelessness

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 192 pages
\n Publication date: 25 June 2020
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Lucy Ellmann's Ducks, Newburyport, a shortlisted contender for the 2019 Man Booker Prize and the Goldsmiths Prize, is a captivating and provocative novel. The author's witty and incisive prose brings to life a protagonist named Isabel, who possesses a remarkable intellect and a fierce anger.

Set within the prestigious Catafalque, an esteemed London art institute, Isabel finds herself lost in contemplation of Chardin's brushstrokes and the vibrant red socks of passing lecturers. While Isabel's love life, inspired by the romantic notions of authoress Babs Cartwheel, bears little resemblance to her flatmate Pol's more practical approach to reality, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways.

Enter Robert, a victim of an American upbringing, adorned with kitsch memorabilia, academic rivalry, Pol's belly-dancing, and Isabel's silent adoration. As the story unfolds, Robert must navigate a complex web of emotions and relationships, questioning whether he possesses the perversity to resist despair.

Ellmann's writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue that evoke a sense of immediacy and authenticity. The characters are well-developed, each with their unique quirks and flaws, making them relatable and compelling. Ducks, Newburyport is a thought-provoking exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a fresh and engaging perspective on contemporary life.

\n Weight: 214g\n
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526626790\n \n