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The new novel from Anna Burns, critically acclaimed author of 'No Bones'. An irate woman bursts into the best gun shop in the town of Tiptoe Floorboard, helps herself to a Kalashnikov rifle and sets off in a taxi on her mission of retribution. So begins this kaleidoscopic, surreal and enigmatic tale of dark deeds in a small town. At the centre of Anna Burns's startling new novel lies the Doe clan, a closely knit family of criminals and victims whose internal conflicts and convoluted relationships propel this simultaneously funny and terrifying story. Bound together by love and loyalty, fear and secrets, the Does and other inhabitants of Tiptoe Floorboard make up an unforgettable cast of characters. In a voice that is by turns chilling and wickedly funny, the narrator documents their struggle to make and maintain connections with each other, and -- weaving back and forth in time -- examines what transpires when unspeakable realities, long pushed from consciousness, begin to break through. Anna Burns's first novel 'No Bones' was shortlisted for the Orange Prize, and this new novel secures her reputation as a writer of mesmerising originality and rare talent.
An irate woman initiates a violent quest for retribution by seizing a firearm in the town of Tiptoe Floorboard, triggering a series of surreal and dark events. The narrative follows the interconnected lives of the Doe clan, a family defined by their criminal activities and complex internal dynamics. As the protagonist pursues her mission, the story explores the tension between loyalty and fear within this insular community. The narrative framework employs a non-linear structure, weaving back and forth in time to reveal the buried secrets that haunt the town's inhabitants.
This novel is characterized by its distinct, experimental voice that challenges conventional narrative pacing. The work is often noted for its ability to balance absurdity with a genuine sense of dread, creating a unique atmosphere within the setting of Tiptoe Floorboard. Readers and critics alike frequently highlight the author's commitment to a surrealist aesthetic that prioritizes psychological depth over linear progression. The text functions as a complex study of human connection and the destructive nature of secrets, demanding a high level of engagement from the reader. Its reception reflects an appreciation for the author's refusal to adhere to standard genre expectations, marking it as a significant entry in contemporary literary fiction.
Page Count:
304
Publication Date:
2007-03-05
Publisher:
Fourth Estate Ltd.
ISBN-10:
0007164637
ISBN-13:
9780007164639
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