Pelican Blood - Softcover

Freddi, Cris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007185189 ISBN 13: 9780007185184

Publisher: Fourth Estate, 2005

Synopsis

One of the most exciting debut novels for years. Foul-mouthed but lyrical, with a tragic love story at its core, Pelican Blood gatecrashes our assumptions about obsession, anorak pastimes and what makes life worth living.

'It's not even five in the morning, but the light's already good an Owen Whittle's up and about... There's some cloud cover for a change and more wind that yesterday, otherwise much the same as usual. But things are going to be different today and it's not the sky he ought to be watching. Today I'm going to try and kill him.'

Birdwatchers live by lists. Rare gull, rare warbler, one-off sandpiper. Tick, tick, tick. It's like putting a finger on your pulse and counting.

But it's also a kind of countdown. When you're young, and you already think life is terminally pointless, a hobby can be a dangerous thing. You once said you'd reach 500 ticks then kill yourself. And if you can kill yourself, you can kill anybody. Like somebody who's about to steal a clutch of rare bird's eggs. Who'd have thought a simple hobby could lead to this?

But what if there were something else worth living for, in the shape of Stevie Red Bus, with her attitude and needs and fiery red hair. Would that be enough to keep somebody alive?

Foul-mouthed but lyrical, with a tragic love story at its core, Cris Freddi's stunningly accomplished British debut novel presents us with a cast of vivid characters and a passion for life in all its forms. Pelican Blood gatecrashes our assumptions about obsession, anorak pastimes, and what makes life worth living.

About this title

Review:

'Featuring a neat twist at the end, this is a fantastically original study of obsession, life, love – and birds.’ -- FHM

'This is an original, deeply felt novel whose raw lyricism feels powered by the forces of nature itself.’ -- Metro

‘Compulsively readable...a moving meditation on the nature...of love and friendship...in a world blighted by human greed.’ -- Jem Poster, Guardian

‘[Freddi’s] sensitive treatment of the rekindled romance between artist Stevie and the trigger-happy narrator reveals subtle emotional shadings. -- Sunday Times

From the Publisher:

One of the most exciting debut novels for years...Cris Freddi has created three memorably vivid characters...a debut author with a wealth of talent. His will be a name to watch in the future.

About this edition

• Publisher: Fourth Estate
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0007185189
• ISBN 13: 9780007185184
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272