Her entry begins:I’m an avid reader of novels, but rarely read non-fiction, other than memoir. My shelves hold equal numbers of books that might be termed ‘literary’ and ones that might be termed ‘commercial’, although I’ve always found those categorisations unhelpful. The ‘to be read’ pile next to my bed is getting ever taller and will soon have to be split in two in order to avoid a toppling-onto-my-teacup incident. I’m trying to get my book-buying under control, but there’s just too much good stuff out there. And now I’m an author, I can always kid myself that I need to read more books in order to research the current market.About The Cactus, from the publisher:
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead has been working its way to the top of my pile for some time, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. It’s the powerful story of Cora’s flight from slavery to freedom, along a railroad that’s not just a metaphor but a physical reality. I found the book shocking and heart-breaking, at the same time as being utterly gripping. I...[read on]
Even the prickliest cactus has its flower…Visit Sarah Haywood's website.
For Susan Green, messy emotions don’t fit into the equation of her perfectly ordered life. She has a flat that is ideal for one, a job that suits her passion for logic and an“interpersonal arrangement” that provides cultural and other, more intimate, benefits. But suddenly confronted with the loss of her mother and the news that she is about to become a mother herself, Susan’s greatest fear is realized. She is losing control.
When she learns that her mother’s will inexplicably favors her indolent brother, Edward, Susan’s already dismantled world is sent flying into a tailspin. As Susan’s due date draws near and her family problems become increasingly difficult to ignore, Susan finds help and self-discovery in the most unlikely of places.
Featuring an endearing cast of characters and tremendous heart, The Cactus is a poignant debut and a delightful reminder that some things can’t be explained by logic alone.
Writers Read: Sarah Haywood.
--Marshal Zeringue
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