I got a lovely surprise this morning when I opened the post. A copy of one of the books shortlisted for the 2007 Frank O’Connor Short Story Prize. I am guessing that it is a present – I couldn’t find an invoice or instructions, though as it came from a literary agency, I’m guessing that they might want me to buy the right to it. I would if the price was right, hint hint.
Anyway, it’s a copy of Manuel Munoz’s ‘The Faith Healer of Olive Avenue’, and I must say I am very pleased to be sent it and will read it with pleasure. It’s a collection of stories set in a Mexican-American community in California, exploring the lives and relationships between the people who provide cheap manual labour to their wealthier neighbours.
Unfortunately, none of our books got through to the shortlist, but then again, neither did some big hitters, so I don’t feel so bad about it (is that mean?, sorry!). But I must say, I’m really excited about what has got onto it. I love finding out about international writers (one of the pleasures of working at Salt) and it’s wonderful that this prize exists to bring new, top class talent to a wide audience.
Also on the shortlist is ‘Valentines’, by Olaf Olafsson who is the CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment and Time Warner Digital Media, along with two film makers and an actor from Eastenders (UK soap). Details of their books are in the link above.
Meanwhile, we are all getting used to being around each other all the time and have managed to get through the first week of the school holidays. The weather has turned autumnal now, but we still send the big ones out to the park in between showers in hope that the fresh air and wind will help wear them out.
It’s amazing what you learn from children, though. At lunch today, Kirsty informed us that in the olden days people used to weave their jeans out of stinging nettles. So, there you go – you learn something every day!
