If History is just a sick joke which keeps on repeating itself, then who exactly might be telling it, and why? Could it be John Scogin, Edward IV's infamous court jester, whose favourite pastime was to burn people alive – for a laugh? Or could it be Andrew Boarde, Henry VIII's physician, who kindly wrote John Scogin's biography? Or could it be a tiny Kurd called Gaffar whose days are blighted by an unspeakable terror of – uh – salad? Or a beautiful, bulimic harpy with ridiculously weak bones? Or a man who guards Beckley Woods with a Samurai sword and a pregnant terrier?
Darkmans is a very modern book, set in Ashford (a ridiculously modern town), about two very old–fashioned subjects: love and jealousy. It's also a book about invasion, obsession, displacement and possession, about comedy, art, prescription drugs and chiropody. And the main character? The past, which creeps up on the present and whispers something quite dark – quite unspeakable – into its ear.
Darkmans is the third of Nicola Barker's visionary narratives of the Thames Gateway. Following on from Wide Open (winner Dublin IMPAC award 2000) and Behindlings it confirms Nicola Barker as one of Britain's most original and exciting literary talents.
Booker Prize Shortlist 2007
Darkmans
$35.00 – Paperback book / Harper Collins
If History is just a sick joke which keeps on repeating itself, then who exactly might be telling it, and why? Could it be John Scogin, Edward IV's infamous court jester, whose favourite pastime was to burn people alive ... Buy or find out more →
The Gathering
$32.95 – Trade paperback / Jonathan Cape
Man Booker Prize Winner 2007 The nine surviving children of the Hegarty clan gather in Dublin for the wake of their wayward brother Liam. It wasn't the drink that killed him - although that certainly helped - it was what... Buy or find out more →
The Reluctant Fundamentalist
$32.95$0.00 – Trade paperback / Hamish Hamilton
At a cafe table in Lahore, a Pakistani man begins the tale that has led to his fateful meeting with an uneasy American stranger. Changez is living an immigrant's dream of America. He thrives on the energy of New York, hi... Buy or find out more →
Mister Pip
$0.00 – Trade paperback / Text Publishing
Matilda lives on an island somewhere in the Pacific-but this is no paradise. Civil war is a fact of life, though at first the village is largely left alone by the soldiers and the rebel fighters. The school is closed but... Buy or find out more →
On Chesil Beach
$29.95$15.95 – Hardcover book / Jonathan Cape
On Chesil Beach is another superbly orchestrated work by Ian McEwan exploring the subtleties and fragility of human relationships. Florence is a talented violinist whose dream is to perform in concert on stage. Edward is... Buy or find out more →
Animal's People
$22.99 – Paperback book / Pocket Books
'I used to be human once. So I'm told. I don't remember it myself, but people who knew me when I was small say I walked on two feet just like a human being...' Ever since he can remember, Animal has gone on all fours, th... Buy or find out more →
