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The Private Lives of Trees
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The second novel by the internationally celebrated writer Alejandro Zambra, a 'short and strikingly original' (New Yorker) book about the stories we spin for ourselves and our loved ones - now published in the UK for the first time by Fitzcarraldo Editions.
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Description
Veronica is late, and Julian is increasingly convinced she won't ever come home. To pass the time, he improvises a story about trees to coax his stepdaughter, Daniela, to sleep. He has made a life as a literature professor, developing a novel about a man tending to a bonsai tree on the weekends.
He is a narrator, an architect, a chronicler of other people's stories. But as the night stretches on before him, and the hours pass with no sign of Veronica, Julian finds himself caught up in the slipstream of the story of his lifeβof their lives together. What combination of desire and coincidence led them here, to this very night? What will the futureβand possibly motherlessβDaniela think of him and his stories? Why tell stories at all?
The Private Lives of Trees, Alejandro Zambra's second novel, now published in the UK for the first time in a revised translation by Megan McDowell, overflows with his signature wit and his gift for crafting short novels that manage to contain whole worlds.
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Alejandro Zambra has been hailed as one of the most significant Chilean writers since Bolano, praised for his originality and striking prose. His work resonates with readers and critics alike, leaving lasting impressions akin to fireworks, as described by Valeria Luiselli. Known for being bold, subtle, and humorous, Zambra's writing captivates with its imaginative and masterful approach to short forms.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781804270240
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 07 February 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Fitzcarraldo Editions
Contributors:
- Translated by Megan McDowell
- Translated by Megan McDowell
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 125.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 88
Collections
About the Author
Alejandro Zambra is the author of the novelsΒ Chilean Poet,Β Multiple Choice,Β Ways of Going Home,Β The Private Lives of TreesΒ andΒ Bonsai; the short story collection,Β My Documents, a finalist for the Frank OβConnor International Short Story Award; andΒ Not to Read, a collection of essays. The recipient of numerous literary prizes, as well as a Cullman Center fellowship, his stories have appeared in theΒ New Yorker, theΒ Paris Review,Β The White ReviewΒ andΒ Harperβs, among others. He lives in Mexico City.
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