Comments on: The Beggar’s Garden, by Michael Christie

By: Buried In Print

Buried In Print — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:25:30 +0000

Sounds like we've had a remarkably similar response to this one; The Meagre Tarmac is far-and-away the story collection that makes my personal shortlist in this year's Giller reading.

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:40:09 +0000

Max: My speculation would be that Christie will not find a U.K. publisher -- some previous debut collections of equal or perhaps even better quality that had Giller exposure (Light Lifting and Barnacle Love for example) never did get published there. The Canadian (and to a somewhat lesser extent U.S.) notion of introducing writers through collections doesn't seem to be a feature of U.K. publishing -- even established short story authors seemm to have publication challenges there. Having said that, make a mental note of Christie's name for the future. What worked best for me in this collection was a combination of his ability to convey a contemporary urban environment and his portrayal of some rather strange, but interesting, characters in that environment.

By: Max Cairnduff

Max Cairnduff — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:24:05 +0000

It sounds very interesting – the emergency room narrative particularly. I don’t see it making my TBR list for the moment but it does sound like this is exactly the sort of author who merits a little spotlighting.

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 19:14:59 +0000

Dorryce: I think visitors will find that a different point of view is welcome — and they should stay tuned.

By: Dorryce Smelts

Dorryce Smelts — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:38:25 +0000

Hi Kevin,

After reading your review, I think i might have to take on the mantle of curmudgeon after you post my review tomorrow While I did engage with the characters, and found them mostly well-defined and sympathetic, the stories (for reasons stated in my review) simply didn’t ring as fully realized for me. Perhaps this is a characteristic of first novels or first story collections, but Christie’s voice needs to deepen and perhaps even out a bit. But I appreciate what you said in your review about Christie’s work.

Cheers,
Dorryce

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:47:18 +0000

Karen: You obviously liked the book more than I did (and I certainly did not "dislike" it). Your comment also raises a point I would highlight -- those who can engage with the characters in these stories are probably going to have a stronger reaction, be it positive or negative. I'd say that is a tribute to the author. Welcome to the KfC blog and thanks for commenting. The best posts here are when visitors join the discussion. Since you are knew, I'll point you to my reveing and the ensuing discussion of The Afterparty. The novel has some similarities with the themes of The Beggar's Garden.

By: Karen H

Karen H — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:37:51 +0000

The Beggar’s Garden, my absolute favourite book so far this year.I just loved loved loved it! So heartfelt, so much truth, so much humanity. The story that stood out most to me was Discard. I could just feel the emotions of the grandfather as he followed his grandson’s route leaving items to be found. I have recomemded this book to everyone.

I must mention that have only recently started following your blog, after hearing you on CBC radio. Lovely blog and am enjoying it very much.