This might be my favorite post ever.
In 2008 I read a small press novella called The Tea House by Paul Elwork and wrote a Hand Yell for it on Sept 2nd.
At the same time, I sent the hand yell to my friend the agent, Dan Lazar, along with a note asking him to please read the book - the author was looking for representation.
Dan read it and signed Paul and then sold the small press book below to Amy Einhorn who helped Paul turn it into an even richer, fuller full length novel that comes out today and has a new title - The Girl Who Would Speak For The Dead.
Congratulations Paul. Happy pub day - I am so so so happy for you.
And everyone, please please please buy Paul's book. It's amazing. And haunting. And beautiful.
Here's my original Hand Yell post from September 2008 when the book was a bit shorter and had a different title:
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I didn't find this small press book, it found me. A few months ago the author, Paul Elwork bought an AuthorBuzz.com. and in the process of signing him up I read the his description of his book and couldn't resist buying a copy. (See how well AuthorBuzz.com works?)
And I'm glad I couldn't.
I loved this book. It's an elegant, mesmerizing, gothic tale.
I slipped into it the way one might walk into a tea house on a summer afternoon and hours later I came out, having been transported.
Elwork's debut has that rare combination of wonderful language, intense and interesting characters, an intriguing plot and enough suspense to keep you turning the pages even when you want to stop and savor the writing.
When I read a book like this - that is both beautiful and transportive and takes me somewhere I haven't been - I'm reminded of why books matter.
The Tea House suggests that the author has more wonderful stories to share with us - stories that I personally can't wait for.
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