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New and Notable Fiction Debuts for 2011

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Cover art for SOUTH OF SUPERIOR
FICTION
Released: June 9, 2011
SOUTH OF SUPERIOR
by Ellen Airgood
"Pleasant and comforting, like Gladys' cardamom rolls."
Madeline Stone goes back to her roots in rural Michigan and finds the missing bits of herself, in a heartwarming if drawn-out debut. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEATH AT THE CHATEAU BREMONT
FICTION
Released: July 1, 2011
DEATH AT THE CHATEAU BREMONT
by M. L. Longworth
"A promising debut for Longworth, who shows there's more to France than Paris and more to mystery than Maigret."
The death of a cash-poor count offers problems and opportunities for an examining magistrate in Provence. Read full book review >
Cover art for THIS BURNS MY HEART
FICTION
Released: July 12, 2011
THIS BURNS MY HEART
by Samuel Park
"Protagonist Soo-Ja's story will enthrall in this first-rate literary effort."
A captivating debut novel from Chicago-based author Park. Read full book review >
Cover art for RULES OF CIVILITY
FICTION
Released: July 25, 2011
RULES OF CIVILITY
by Amor Towles
"An elegant, pithy performance by a first-time novelist who couldn't seem more familiar with his characters or territory."
Manhattan in the late 1930s is the setting for this saga of a bright, attractive and ambitious young woman whose relationships with her insecure roommate and the privileged Adonis they meet in a jazz club are never the same after an auto accident. Read full book review >
Cover art for DAUGHTER OF PROVIDENCE
FICTION
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
DAUGHTER OF PROVIDENCE
by Julie Drew
"First novelist Drew draws a careful portrait of both social and family problems."
A period novel--set in 1934--that examines dark secrets in a fading Rhode Island family. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SUBMISSION
FICTION
Released: Aug. 9, 2011
Kirkus Star THE SUBMISSION
by Amy Waldman
"A stellar debut. Waldman's book reflects a much-needed understanding of American paranoia in the post-9/11 world."
The selection of a Muslim architect for a 9/11 memorial stirs a media circus in Waldman's poised and commanding debut novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for ANGELINA'S BACHELORS
FICTION
Released: Aug. 9, 2011
Kirkus Star ANGELINA'S BACHELORS
by Brian O'Reilly, Virginia O'Reilly
"Light comedy and good food make a winning combination."
An utterly delightful debut novel from cookbook author and TV cooking-show producer O'Reilly. Read full book review >
Cover art for GIRLS IN WHITE DRESSES
FICTION
Released: Aug. 16, 2011
GIRLS IN WHITE DRESSES
by Jennifer Close
"Wryly funny sketches of life in one's 20s."
Three young women and their friends navigate the tricky world of big-city adulthood after graduation. Read full book review >
Cover art for LOW TOWN
FICTION
Released: Aug. 16, 2011
LOW TOWN
by Daniel Polanksy
"A strong debut novel with a hero who doesn't waste time worrying about the moral implications of cutting someone's throat."
In Polansky's dark, moody debut novel, there's no sun, no joy, and staying alive for another day is about the only reason to rejoice; the grim setting makes for an interesting tale about a man with a past. Read full book review >