This week, I was thrilled to receive a special delivery of book mail—all from the incredible Europa Editions UK.
It's always exciting to get my hands on new reads, and these editions are stunning.
The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey:
The Axeman’s Carnival is a deeply layered book told from the perspective of Tama, a magpie raised by Marnie and her husband, Rob. Rescued as a helpless chick, Tama’s presence introduces new possibilities for the couple's future but also uncovers darker undercurrents.
As Tama grows and becomes famous for his ability to speak, he observes the tension in Marnie’s violent marriage while his father warns him about the dangers of humans. The story blurs the lines between the animal and human worlds, weaving themes of hope, darkness, and human fragility.
Chidgey explores serious issues such as domestic violence and coercive control, offering a raw depiction of the emotional impact of such relationships. The book also delves into the complexities of social media and the pressures of living a public life, making it particularly timely in today’s digital age.
Though at times challenging, The Axeman’s Carnival is a poetic and poignant story that reveals the intricacies of both the human and animal experience.
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Displaced by Valery Panyushkin:
Russian journalist Valery Panyushkin offers a powerful first-hand account of the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through interviews with ordinary Ukrainians, Panyushkin reveals the profound impact of the conflict on their lives, transforming citizens into victims and refugees almost overnight. His exploration of the brutal crimes committed by the Russian regime serves as both an act of truth-telling and a form of atonement.
Reporting from across Ukraine, Panyushkin paints a vivid picture of the human cost of war, highlighting the challenges, choices, and hopes of those caught in the chaos. The book is not only a moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit but also a call for empathy, solidarity, and recognition of the strength shown by ordinary people in the face of unimaginable loss.
Urgent and necessary, Displaced exposes the stark contrast between the suffering of the people and the distant decisions of those in power. Panyushkin’s portrayal of the struggles and unwavering resilience of displaced individuals is both heartbreaking and inspiring, offering a profound reminder of the enduring strength of humanity even in the darkest times.
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Fathers and Fugitives by S.J. Naudé:
In Fathers and Fugitives, Daniel, a journalist who divides his time between London and Cape Town, is forced to confront his past following the death of his elderly, demented father.
An unusual clause in the old man’s will stipulates that Daniel will inherit his half of the estate only after visiting his estranged cousin on the family farm in the Free State. This visit sets off a chain of events, leading Daniel, his cousin, and a sick young boy on a transformative journey to Tokyo—a trip that will alter their lives forever.
Daniel, a passive South African man, allows life to unfold around him without taking control or making decisions. The book opens with him forming an unconventional relationship with two gay Serbian men, and as he follows them on increasingly worrying paths, their time together culminates in a shocking event that propels him further into unexpected territory.
The book is structured in five distinct sections, each filled with surprises and unpredictable turns. At its core, Fathers and Fugitives explores the theme of wasted or unfulfilled lives. Naudé portrays how people can experience a form of death while still alive—whether it’s a life stuck in the wrong place or occupation, one repressed by unacknowledged sexuality, or a life spent wandering without direction.
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