American small town bigoted life is viciously exposed by a novelist basking in his fame in New York. There is the book, the film, the T-shirt and now, seventeen years later, the author returns home, the only place he is not adored. Facing his past, old hurts and humiliations, he finally grows up. A poignant reflection on love, loyalty, duty, hope and coming to terms with your past. Highly recommended.

Comparison: Tony Parsons, Ben Elton, John Harding.
Similar this month: William Sutcliffe, Andrew Rosenheim.

Synopsis

Joe Goffman's vicious first novel has savaged the reputation of Bush Falls. When a family emergency summons him back to the town he left 17 years ago, he's not surprised at the welcome he receives: milk-shakes thrown in his face, copies of his novel pelting his house and violent threats to blow up his shiny new Mercedes. But the more Bush Falls resents Joe, the more it becomes obvious that Joe cannot turn his back on Bush Falls. As he walks along the familiar streets, memories return to haunt him with a vengeance - about a secret love affair, an old friendship and a tragic death. Now, decades later, Joe has to face his past without resorting to his pen.

And with the help of some very old friends, he might just be able to learn something - if he manages to survive his homecoming. At once hilarious and bittersweet, Bush Falls is a tale of the double-edged rewards of fame, revenge and redemption as a writer takes on a village and the ghosts of his past.

About the Author

Jonathan Tropper was born and raised in Riverdale, New York. He attended the creative writing program at New York University Graduate School of Arts and Science, where he received a Masters degree. His novels have been translated into more than ten languages. He lives with his wife and children in Westchester, New York, and teaches writing at Manhattanville College. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation