Praise for John Butler
I was absolutely thrilled to receive this lovely quote for John Butler's forthcoming novel, The Tenderloin, last week...
'I read this book over a weekend and was captivated by the lyricism and laughter of John Butler's wry prose. This book is sharp, intelligent and funny. Excruciating moments of early adulthood are rendered triumphant by a narrator whose heart longs to be opened to a world of love and purpose, and to the truth of sexual identity. But with the final chapter comes a revelation – brave and affecting – one that left me reeling and haunted by the sad inadequacy that can inhabit us all.'
The quote comes from Sarah Winman, author of one of this year's most brilliant débuts, When God Was a Rabbit. Set against a backdrop of real-life events and told with a similar mixture of sadness and humour, Sarah's book is also about youth, friendship and the hazy nature of love, so she's also an ideal person to have recommended The Tenderloin. If you haven't already, When God Was a Rabbit is definitely worth a read.
Have you read The Tenderloin? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
Read an extract from Paula Saunders' debut novel The Distance Home
Our favourite Robert Burns poems
Seven of our favourite Scottish poets