#BlogTour-‘Attend’ by West Camel

I am beyond thrilled to be part of the Random Things book blogtour for ‘Attend’ by West Camel from Orenda Books.

This is not so much a book, as an experience, ‘Attend’ is a invitation to be present, to pay attention, and be involved in the stories of Sam, Anne and Deborah,-attend and listen as their stories interweave and create a magic that is purely brilliant.

I would possibly categorise it as historical and literary fiction though neither title does this book justice. It is a rare book that captivates, entwines and enfolds you in the narratives which switch effortlessly between characters. Magic realism comes closet to describing this work, the last time I felt so strongly about a book was reading ‘Eva Luna’ by Isabel Allende.

At some points, you realise that you are no longer in the room, you have been completely immersed in the tale of Deborah, seamstress, abandoned child, and ageless as she intersects with Anne and Sam in the London district of Deptford.

Sam is in love with a thug named Derek and is coming to terms with his sexuality and his relationship. Anne is a an ex-drug addict, always teetering on the brink of succumbing to the siren call of narcotics. And Deborah sits between them, a possibly immortal centenarian.As she weaves their stories together I was reminded of the sewing adage ‘Measure twice, cut once’ as West Camel ensures that each word is chosen so succinctly and perfectly for it’s purpose, and for maximum impact. Not a single punctuation mark or paragraph is out of place, it is immensely assured for a debut novel.

Oh my heart.

I felt bereft when it was over yet not ready to pick it up again. I will, but I am still processing this wonderful, beautiful book and it will be pored over for years to come.This will be a timeless classic and I remain immensely grateful to Karen Sullivan of Orenda, Anne Cater of Random Things and most of all ,West Camel for this jewel of a novel. I did attend.

Author Biography-West Camel

Born and bred in south London – and not the Somerset village with which he shares a name – West Camel worked as an editor in higher education and business before turning his attention to the arts and publishing.

He has worked as a book and arts journalist, and was editor at Dalkey Archive Press, where he edited the Best European Fiction 2015 anthology, before moving to new press Orenda Books just after its launch.

He currently combines his work as editor at Orenda Books with writing and editing a wide range of material for various arts organisations, including ghostwriting a New-Adult novel and editing The Riveter magazine for the European Literature Network. He has also written several short scripts, which have been produced in London’s fringe theatres,

A highly anticipated debut, blending the magical realism of Angela Carter and the gritty authenticity of Eastenders
and was longlisted for the Old Vic’s 12 playwrights project. Attend is his first novel.

Links-https://www.westcamel.net/