Simon Van Booy won the 2009 Frank O’Connor prize for his collection, Love Begins in Winter, his second short story collection. I read it a few months ago, and fell in love with his writing. It’s stunning.
I read his first collection next, The Secret Lives of People in Love. These stories were a little more somber, many of the characters had loved and lost. But the heart of it is still Simon Van Booy’s unique voice and skill with conveying the thoughts and emotions of his characters.
Here are a few of my favorite lines:
“When somebody leaves this plane – or, if you like, goes into another room – those left behind sometimes try and stop loving – but this is a mistake, because even if you have loved only once in your life, you’re ruined.” (page 37)
“Love reveals the beauty of seemingly trivial things – a pair of shoes, an empty wine glass, an open drawer, cracks on the avenue.” (page 48)
“Up here on this forgotten elbow of land, I have nothing to lose, and though I am more afraid now than I have ever been, I am relieved, I am unburdened, I am ascending.” (page 51)
“You might say that praying is useless if I don’t believe in God anymore, but let me tell you my opinion: praying for someone is a way to love them without ever having to know them.” (page 87)
The original edition is out of print, and Harper Perennial is releasing a new edition in January. The old edition is still available on the Book Depository.
Short and sweet review! I have not heard of Simon van Booy before (looks like a Dutch name – is that true?) and he looks like a wonderful writer. Will add his books to my ‘To be read’ list. I liked all the quotes you have given, but the first two are my favourites – they were very beautiful and poignant.
It does look like a Dutch name, not sure if that’s his ancestry or not. I just looked at the back of the book and it said he was born in London. He has also lived in Paris, Athens, and Kentucky!
I wanted to put this collection on my amazon wishlist for Christmas but couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t find it because I swore it was published first. I guess I’ll either get it from the book depository or wait until January.
I’ve seen so much posted about him and I’ve been wanting to read his Love Begins in Winter. I swear I need to figure out how to raid your shelves. :)