'Not only gives [Paul] Thek & [Peter] Hujar back their lives; it gives its readers a new perspective on work that is both effervescent and rigorous'
The Wonderful World That Almost Was by @andrew-durbin.bsky.social
In this excerpt from a dual biography about the photographer Peter Hujar and the artist and sculptor Paul Thek, Andrew Durbin writes about how Peter Hujar turned cruising into works of art.
'The spirit of The Wonderful World That Almost Was is a loud call for these artists to receive the recognition they deserved.'
@andrew-durbin.bsky.social's fabulous Peter Hujar & Paul Thek biography is out next week!
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
I'm very much enjoying this, by Sara Baume.
@grantabooks.bsky.social
‘For Nicola Barker honesty takes many forms. It’s fine to be direct when directness is what’s called for. Driving her occasionally topical concerns – the Channel Tunnel, Blaine’s stunt, social media – is a potent spiritual vision.’
Leo Robson on Barker’s novels.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Leo Robson on Nicola Barker is well worth your time!
‘To read Sail Away Land is to be transformed. These short stories are slant, squirming, fleshly...I was riveted from beginning to end by the force and brilliance of this electric, anarchic collection’
And more praise for @benpester.bsky.social's new book - this time from Nell Osborne!
‘Tragic and comic and anxious and strange, Sail Away Land shows us the uneasy dreams of a society out of kilter. A resonant collection’
@thomasmcmullan.bsky.social on @benpester.bsky.social's forthcoming story collection (out in June).
And the view from inside!
'THE BOOK I'M CURRENTLY READING:
Sail Away Land by @benpester.bsky.social. It’s weird and soulful. I love ending my days with it.'
Come June, you too can end your days with these fabulous stories!
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/m...
A film program inspired by my forthoming book on Peter Hujar and Paul Thek will run next month at the MoMA.
More info:
www.moma.org/calendar/fil...
Thrilled about this. What a truly exceptional writer Sarah is.
Poor Baby publishing in early 2027.
The enduring #mystery of Liadan Ní Chuinn - one of four nominated for *The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year* - who's chosen through publication & beyond to remain totally anonymous. Apart from being non-binary, all we know is they're under 35. Whatever the feck, their writing is 💯% top-notch.
So pleased Liadan has been, deservedly, shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award!
'Ní Chuinn’s ideas come together in fragments...and their stories are unified by intergenerational trauma. “It is a lens through which I understand people’s behaviour, through which I understand my family’s behaviour: what they speak about, what they can’t.”'
www.thetimes.com/culture/book...
Liadan Ní Chuinn shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award.
'This year feels exceptional for several reasons. The inclusion of Ní Chuinn...marks the first time we have had an anonymous author on the list'
Congratulations to all the nominees.
www.thetimes.com/culture/book...
Had such an amazing time talking to @hannahhg.bsky.social - I really hope you get a chance to listen
‘An extraordinary debut...[Liadan Ní Chuinn is] a writer of subtlety despite the polemic that veins these stories...Unpredictable & memorable’
Rave review for Every One Still Here in this round-up of the month's best paperbacks.
www.theguardian.com/books/ng-int...
ICYMI: Granta has acquired Opening Night by Sarah Baume. Publication is scheduled for July 2026 👇 #BookSky
The brilliant Every One Still Here by the phenomonally talented Liadan Ní Chuinn is out in paperback tomorrow!
Amazing to see these words of praise for @andrew-durbin.bsky.social's The Wonderful World That Almost Was:
‘Masterful...Awash with light & clarity...This important book thrums with the lives & works of its subjects. It is a love story, a history & a moving meditation on art and memory’ Jack Parlett
Sara Baume does it again - this is the book equivalent of a deep life affirming breath and it’s been a joy to read over the last few days. Out in July from @grantabooks.bsky.social
New stories from @benpester.bsky.social, Sail Away Land, coming in June 2026. And a new novel in 2027!
Two new books from @benpester.bsky.social (collection of stories & a novel). Couldn't be happier.
The story collection, Sail Away Land, publishing in June.
www.thebookseller.com/rights/grant...
I've just filed my claim in the Anthropic 'Let's steal all authors' books because fuck those lousy authors' settlement.
MAKE THE BASTARDS PAY!
archive.ph/qpS9e
@benpester.bsky.social's The Expansion Project has a tasty new look. (Thanks @jackflag.bsky.social - excellent work!) Paperback edition coming this way in June!
'These stories about Ireland & recent history face up to the truth of lives ...They change & recharge the potential of the short story form. Two have already become some of my favourite stories ever'
Ali Smith on Liadan Ní Chuinn's Every One Still Here.
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...
Very pleased indeed to see Issa Quincy's singular, wonderful ABSENCE on the Dylan Thomas Prize 2026 longlist.
Congratulations to all the nominated authors. It a greatr prize (one of the better UK book gongs).
uk.bookshop.org/lists/dylan-...
'@benpester.bsky.social, one of our discoveries of 2025 for his brilliant novel The Expansion Project, has a short story collection with @grantabooks.bsky.social due this summer'
Sail Away Land, Ben's new collection, a Shortlist 'most anticipated books of 2026'
www.shortlist.com/books/our-25...
