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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

I've been waiting for this one - the alert just came through on my phone and I literally said "fuck yes" out loud in the very busy coffee shop lol.

I've been about 70% done with The Little Friend for about two years now. I thought I was missing something - there are moments of brilliance and Goldfinch-ness but otherwise so much drag, and its hard to drag me. I am encouraged to finish it though now that you failed to spoil the ending.

Giphys were slapping today too.

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Sarah Harkness's avatar

Great piece. I read it when it came out and definitely thought it needed editing. Looking back on it, the only thing I can remember is the significance of a huge water tower...what was that about? In general US editors seem to be terrified of editing these bestselling literary novelists: Tartt, DeLillo, Franzen would all be massively improved by a spot of judicious pruning. So lucky that Strout, Pratchett and Tyler seem happy to write short books!

I have also picked up Under the Net in the last week. But it's a struggle, and I found myself yesterday completely distracted by Strout's Anything is Possible, which I consumed, or inhaled, in two hours. Bliss.

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