David Anthony Durham's Blog, page 22
February 8, 2012
Pride of Carthage Audiobook!
I'm very pleased to announce that finally, seven years after it's original publication by Doubleday, my novel Pride of Carthage is available as an audiobook. Hurrah!
I couldn't be happier with the way it came together. The deal was done as a partnership between myself and the narrator, Dick Hill. He's the very talented narrator that gave voice to the entire Acacia Trilogy.
Another cool thing - for me - is that if you look at the "publisher" information it says: David Anthony Durham. Heh. I'm a publisher!
Wondering what this book is all about? Let me dust off an old review. Here's what Publishers Weekly had to say in a Starred Review:
Known for his novels of African-American life in 19th-century America (Gabriel's Story; Walk Through Darkness), Durham leaps continents and centuries to tell the epic story of Hannibal and his march on Rome in this heady, richly textured novel. After Hannibal assumes command of the Carthaginian army in Spain and conquers the Roman city of Saguntum, Carthage refuses to accept Rome's demand that it abandon the city, precipitating the Second Punic War. In 218 B.C., Hannibal begins his daring march toward Rome, leading an army of upward of 100,000—complete with elephants and cavalry—over the Pyrenees, across the Rhone and through the snowcapped Alps. Ill prepared for the frigid weather, pummeled by avalanches and harassed by Celtic tribes, the army arrives in Italy reduced to perhaps 30,000. Against all odds, Hannibal brings his soldiers through the tortuous marshes of the Arno, and traps and massacres a large Roman force at Lake Trasimene and again at Cannae. The novel's grand sweep is balanced by intimate portraits of Hannibal, his family, his allies and his enemies, as well as by the stories of two humble characters: Imco Vaca, a soldier, and Aradna, a camp follower, who meet and fall in love as the saga moves inexorably toward an account of the beheading of Hannibal's brother and Hannibal's eventual defeat at the gates of Rome. Durham weaves abundant psychological, military and political detail into this vivid account of one of the most romanticized periods of history.
Kirkus and Booklist also gave it starred reviews, but I don't want to overdo it. So...
I'll just say I'd love for you to consider this audiobook. It's a novel I'm very proud of. It's similar to the Acacia Trilogy in terms of being the multiple points of view, large cast, politics and history, and it's got got a considerably higher body count. Unlike Acacia, this one's a true story!
You can find it:
At Audible
Or here, via Amazon.
I couldn't be happier with the way it came together. The deal was done as a partnership between myself and the narrator, Dick Hill. He's the very talented narrator that gave voice to the entire Acacia Trilogy.Another cool thing - for me - is that if you look at the "publisher" information it says: David Anthony Durham. Heh. I'm a publisher!
Wondering what this book is all about? Let me dust off an old review. Here's what Publishers Weekly had to say in a Starred Review:
Known for his novels of African-American life in 19th-century America (Gabriel's Story; Walk Through Darkness), Durham leaps continents and centuries to tell the epic story of Hannibal and his march on Rome in this heady, richly textured novel. After Hannibal assumes command of the Carthaginian army in Spain and conquers the Roman city of Saguntum, Carthage refuses to accept Rome's demand that it abandon the city, precipitating the Second Punic War. In 218 B.C., Hannibal begins his daring march toward Rome, leading an army of upward of 100,000—complete with elephants and cavalry—over the Pyrenees, across the Rhone and through the snowcapped Alps. Ill prepared for the frigid weather, pummeled by avalanches and harassed by Celtic tribes, the army arrives in Italy reduced to perhaps 30,000. Against all odds, Hannibal brings his soldiers through the tortuous marshes of the Arno, and traps and massacres a large Roman force at Lake Trasimene and again at Cannae. The novel's grand sweep is balanced by intimate portraits of Hannibal, his family, his allies and his enemies, as well as by the stories of two humble characters: Imco Vaca, a soldier, and Aradna, a camp follower, who meet and fall in love as the saga moves inexorably toward an account of the beheading of Hannibal's brother and Hannibal's eventual defeat at the gates of Rome. Durham weaves abundant psychological, military and political detail into this vivid account of one of the most romanticized periods of history.
Kirkus and Booklist also gave it starred reviews, but I don't want to overdo it. So...
I'll just say I'd love for you to consider this audiobook. It's a novel I'm very proud of. It's similar to the Acacia Trilogy in terms of being the multiple points of view, large cast, politics and history, and it's got got a considerably higher body count. Unlike Acacia, this one's a true story!
You can find it:
At Audible
Or here, via Amazon.
February 7, 2012
Throne of the Crescent Moon
I don't usually post twice in the same day, but I just got a reminder from Saladin Ahmed that his debut novel, Throne of the Crescent Moon, is out today! This is a very good thing for fantasy readers, especially ones that are looking for a fresh, innovative, distinctive new fantasy world, one that uses all the imaginative flare of fantasy, but does so in a different cultural landscape than the norm. That's exactly what Saladin has written.
I wouldn't want you to think I'm suggesting this book to you because cultural diversity is good for. It is, but that's not the point. Saladin's an effortless entertaining writer. He makes unusual choices every step of the way in terms of characterization and plot, and his Arabian Knights influenced alternative world provides a vivid backdrop for his story.
I read the novel in galley form a while back, and have been looking forward to its publication ever since. You'll be happy to know I'm not the only one that liked it. For example:
From his starred Publishers Weekly Review -
"Ahmed's debut masterfully paints a world both bright and terrible."
From his starred Kirkus Review -
"An arresting, sumptuous and thoroughly satisfying debut."
Fantasy Book Critic has lengthy review up HERE.
The Ranting Dragon has one up HERE.
I've no doubt at all that this book marks a major step forward in what's sure to be a very impressive publishing life. Do check it out.
I wouldn't want you to think I'm suggesting this book to you because cultural diversity is good for. It is, but that's not the point. Saladin's an effortless entertaining writer. He makes unusual choices every step of the way in terms of characterization and plot, and his Arabian Knights influenced alternative world provides a vivid backdrop for his story.I read the novel in galley form a while back, and have been looking forward to its publication ever since. You'll be happy to know I'm not the only one that liked it. For example:
From his starred Publishers Weekly Review -
"Ahmed's debut masterfully paints a world both bright and terrible."
From his starred Kirkus Review -
"An arresting, sumptuous and thoroughly satisfying debut."
Fantasy Book Critic has lengthy review up HERE.
The Ranting Dragon has one up HERE.
I've no doubt at all that this book marks a major step forward in what's sure to be a very impressive publishing life. Do check it out.
Worldbuilders 2011
Hey folks. I just want to remind you today (Feb 7th) is the final day of the Worldbuilders donation/giveaway/raffle extravaganza over at Pat Rothfuss' blog.If you're interested in a terrific cause (and in lots of very cool free stuff) go take a look. And donate! You won't regret it.
All the info is HERE.
February 6, 2012
A Couple of Nice Links
The first one is purely self-serving, but I can't help it. It's a little feature over as Suvudu called "George R. R. Martin Recommends David Anthony Durham".
Those are a nice collection of words to have together in one title. It's really just upping the frequency on the stellar blurb that GRRM offered me a while back.
The second one is only partially self-serving. It's a link to "A Dozen of the Best from 2011" at Locus Online. The list is compiled by Jeff VanderMeer.
I'm pleased, of course, that he included The Sacred Band on it, but I send you toward it with the other titles in mind too.
Something you missed, perhaps?
Those are a nice collection of words to have together in one title. It's really just upping the frequency on the stellar blurb that GRRM offered me a while back. The second one is only partially self-serving. It's a link to "A Dozen of the Best from 2011" at Locus Online. The list is compiled by Jeff VanderMeer.
I'm pleased, of course, that he included The Sacred Band on it, but I send you toward it with the other titles in mind too.
Something you missed, perhaps?
February 4, 2012
Books in Wonderland
There's a lovely review of L'Alliance Sacrée (the French The Sacred Band) at the website Books in Wonderland. The reviewer, interestingly, only read the last book. Still had kind things to say about it, though!
It's HERE.
It's HERE.
February 3, 2012
Rise of the Apes, Maybe
Last night we watched
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
. I rather liked it for lots of reasons. Pretty cool to see a pre-apocalyptic movie. I kinda dug that.
Part of it prompted an exchange I found humorous.
After an episode where Caesar (a highly intelligent ape) pummels a human neighbor, he gets put into custody. He's not happy and feels abandoned. As the screen shows his distraught face as his humans leave him, my son, Sage has a question for me...
Sage looks at me, all seriousness, and asks, "You wouldn't do that to me, would you?"
"What, leave you in a facility with a bunch of troublesome apes?"
He says, "Yeah."
My daughter, Maya, says, "Sage, you wouldn't chase a man down the street, beat him and bite his finger, would you?"
Sage hesitates a moment, thinks it over, and finally says, "Maybe."
Sage was definitely relating to the apes in this one.
Part of it prompted an exchange I found humorous.After an episode where Caesar (a highly intelligent ape) pummels a human neighbor, he gets put into custody. He's not happy and feels abandoned. As the screen shows his distraught face as his humans leave him, my son, Sage has a question for me...
Sage looks at me, all seriousness, and asks, "You wouldn't do that to me, would you?"
"What, leave you in a facility with a bunch of troublesome apes?"
He says, "Yeah."
My daughter, Maya, says, "Sage, you wouldn't chase a man down the street, beat him and bite his finger, would you?"
Sage hesitates a moment, thinks it over, and finally says, "Maybe."
Sage was definitely relating to the apes in this one.
February 2, 2012
A Glimpse Into Editorial Life
Courtesy of The Penguin Press...
February 1, 2012
A Book, and a Sprig of Heather
I got an email from a reader recently. I really enjoyed receiving it, and I asked him if I could post it here. He said yes.
First, the background... I've corresponded with this reader, let's call him JK, for a while now. He was kind enough to ask if he could buy a signed copy of The Sacred Band from me. I said sure, but cautioned that it would cost a bit to ship it from Scotland, etc. He deferred to his wife, asking her to make it a Christmas present. Reasonable man.
His wife, to her credit, played the whole thing wonderfully. To him she made it seem that the extravagance of buying a hardcover book all the way from overseas just wasn't something she was that into. But to me, she emailed and set up the purchase. I was pleased enough that I even picked a sprig of heather on one of my walks and slipped it inside the book.
Fast forward a few months, and I received this:
Sorry it has taken so long to thank you for sending me the signed book. Work has been crazy, and as I said I wanted to re-read the first two before I started the new book. Let me tell you how I got it: I got a few things for Christmas from the wife… NHL Bruins jersey… socks... Then I get a hardcover book shaped gift. I think to myself (SHE GOT IT!!). I say, "I think I know what this is..." Open it and it's...
Inheritance by Christopher Paolini.
Apparently my expression changed. My wife said, "OH, were you thinking it was that book from what's his name in Ireland?" I tried to cover the disappointment with, "No, no, this is great. I really wanted to read the last book... But, oh it's Scotland not Ireland."
So the morning continued as my 3yr old opens all 45+ gifts. Finally, as we were cleaning up and my daughter was in an adrenalin induced coma, my wife handed me a wrapped book and said, "You really think after all the not so subtle hints I wasn't going to get this! I know its Scotland, but I threw you off didn't I?"
It was a very nice surprise. I wound up bringing the book to the Christmas family gathering to show off to my brother-in-law. He is reading book 2 currently.
Anyway, the book was fantastic, I was sad to have the story close but happy to get resolution to all the plot lines. As I got closer to the end of the book I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough time to tie it all up, but thankfully I was wrong. You have written a great story, David. When you think about everything that happened and all the detail put in, it doesn't feel like it would fit in only three books. I truly enjoyed it and I know that I will read the trilogy again in the future as well as pass the books on to my daughter to enjoy...
I can scarcely imagine receiving a nicer letter as a writer. To know that my books were part of such an elaborate plot, that they were that wished for, and that they'll be part of a Christmas memory going forward...
That's just terrific.
First, the background... I've corresponded with this reader, let's call him JK, for a while now. He was kind enough to ask if he could buy a signed copy of The Sacred Band from me. I said sure, but cautioned that it would cost a bit to ship it from Scotland, etc. He deferred to his wife, asking her to make it a Christmas present. Reasonable man.
His wife, to her credit, played the whole thing wonderfully. To him she made it seem that the extravagance of buying a hardcover book all the way from overseas just wasn't something she was that into. But to me, she emailed and set up the purchase. I was pleased enough that I even picked a sprig of heather on one of my walks and slipped it inside the book.
Fast forward a few months, and I received this:
Sorry it has taken so long to thank you for sending me the signed book. Work has been crazy, and as I said I wanted to re-read the first two before I started the new book. Let me tell you how I got it: I got a few things for Christmas from the wife… NHL Bruins jersey… socks... Then I get a hardcover book shaped gift. I think to myself (SHE GOT IT!!). I say, "I think I know what this is..." Open it and it's...
Inheritance by Christopher Paolini.
Apparently my expression changed. My wife said, "OH, were you thinking it was that book from what's his name in Ireland?" I tried to cover the disappointment with, "No, no, this is great. I really wanted to read the last book... But, oh it's Scotland not Ireland."
So the morning continued as my 3yr old opens all 45+ gifts. Finally, as we were cleaning up and my daughter was in an adrenalin induced coma, my wife handed me a wrapped book and said, "You really think after all the not so subtle hints I wasn't going to get this! I know its Scotland, but I threw you off didn't I?"
It was a very nice surprise. I wound up bringing the book to the Christmas family gathering to show off to my brother-in-law. He is reading book 2 currently.
Anyway, the book was fantastic, I was sad to have the story close but happy to get resolution to all the plot lines. As I got closer to the end of the book I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough time to tie it all up, but thankfully I was wrong. You have written a great story, David. When you think about everything that happened and all the detail put in, it doesn't feel like it would fit in only three books. I truly enjoyed it and I know that I will read the trilogy again in the future as well as pass the books on to my daughter to enjoy...
I can scarcely imagine receiving a nicer letter as a writer. To know that my books were part of such an elaborate plot, that they were that wished for, and that they'll be part of a Christmas memory going forward...
That's just terrific.
January 31, 2012
Another Pub Day
No, this is not a tale of barroom hijinks.The "pub" in question here is the massmarket publication of The Sacred Band. It's out today!
Now, I have to admit that we won't be doing much of anything special to celebrate this. I'm still up on the hill in rural Scotland. No adoring fans to be seen. (Unless you count the sheep.) I'm working away on my next project, picking the kids up from school, walking the dog, cooking dinner, etc.
Same old stuff that makes a life.
But... that's not to say I'm not excited about this publication. I am, very much so. For the first time the entire Acacia trilogy is available in handy paperback editions. They look lovely, and the covers have all sorts of nice quotes on them, handily written by people other than me!
So... if you've been waiting for paperback completion, you have to wait no more. If the hardbacks are too heavy and bulky, no worries. If you've been thinking about introducing a friend to the series but wanted to present them with the whole set... (I know, wishful thinking on my part, but it is a nice set - and you get all three books for about the same as a single hardback. It's a steal!)
There are clearly lots of reasons this publication is good news. I hope you agree. And if it all possible I'd love to encourage you to pick up a copy - for yourself or for a friend. I would appreciate it greatly.
Now, I have to admit that we won't be doing much of anything special to celebrate this. I'm still up on the hill in rural Scotland. No adoring fans to be seen. (Unless you count the sheep.) I'm working away on my next project, picking the kids up from school, walking the dog, cooking dinner, etc.Same old stuff that makes a life.
But... that's not to say I'm not excited about this publication. I am, very much so. For the first time the entire Acacia trilogy is available in handy paperback editions. They look lovely, and the covers have all sorts of nice quotes on them, handily written by people other than me!
So... if you've been waiting for paperback completion, you have to wait no more. If the hardbacks are too heavy and bulky, no worries. If you've been thinking about introducing a friend to the series but wanted to present them with the whole set... (I know, wishful thinking on my part, but it is a nice set - and you get all three books for about the same as a single hardback. It's a steal!)There are clearly lots of reasons this publication is good news. I hope you agree. And if it all possible I'd love to encourage you to pick up a copy - for yourself or for a friend. I would appreciate it greatly.
January 30, 2012
Teacher Feature
The slate of teaching gigs that my wife, Gudrun, has lined up this coming year is very impressive. And it keeps increasing! She's famous, like.Here's yet another post heaping praise on her, this one from the Squam Art Workshops.
Teacher Feature: Gudrun Johnston.
