Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best of Fiction: Debut Titles


Cover art for THE SLY COMPANY OF PEOPLE WHO CARE
FICTION
Released: May 3, 2011

"An exotic locale and lyrical language make for a dazzling debut."
Words as musical notes, a book as symphony—so it is with this debut novel, occasionally rippling with pidgin English and yet always sparkling with literary insights, all set within the landscape of a forgotten corner of South America. Read full book review >
Cover art for A CUPBOARD FULL OF COATS
FICTION
Released: June 1, 2011

"An impressive debut, particularly notable for its pellucid prose."
First novel explores the trans-generational fallout from an abusive relationship. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ART OF FIELDING
FICTION
Released: Sept. 7, 2011

"A promising debut--and one guaranteed to draw attention, for it commanded an unusually big advance and will likely be pushed accordingly. Stay tuned."
An amiable, Middle American, baseball-centric coming-of-age tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for BUZZ ALDRIN, WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN ALL THE CONFUSION?
FICTION
Released: June 7, 2011
by Johan Harstad, translated by Deborah Dawkin

"A modern saga of rocketships, ice floes and dreams of the Caribbean, and great fun to read."
Or, the long-awaited Great Faroese Novel: a splendid confusion about life, love and intrigues in the land of the midnight sun. Read full book review >
Cover art for PARTITIONS
FICTION
Released: June 21, 2011

"Written with piercing beauty, alive with moral passion and sorrowful insight--a rueful masterpiece."
In his magnificent first novel, poet Majmudar (O°, O°, 2009) embodies the terrible days following the partition of India and Pakistan in the stories of four refugees from sectarian violence. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE NIGHT CIRCUS
FICTION
Released: Sept. 13, 2011

"Likely to be a big book—and, soon, a big movie, with all the franchise trimmings."
Self-assured, entertaining debut novel that blends genres and crosses continents in quest of magic. Read full book review >