Fishing the Sloe-Black River

Short stories of exile, loss, love, and displacement by the National Book Award–winning, New York Times–bestselling author of Let the Great World Spin.

There is the worn boxing champion who steals clothes from a New Orleans laundromat, the rumored survivor of Hiroshima who emigrates to the tranquil coast of Western Ireland, the Irishwoman who journeys through America in search of silence and solitude. But what is found in these stories, and discovered by these characters, is the astonishing poetry and peace found in the mundane: a memory, a scent on the wind, the grace in the curve of a street.

From the celebrated author of Apeirogon and TransAtlantic, Fishing the Sloe-Black River offers “twelve exceptionally crafted and thought-provoking tales . . . this superlative collection shows an impeccable command of style and language” (Publishers Weekly).

“Rich, powerful stories that place McCann at the front ranks of contemporary Irish writers.” —San Francisco Chronicle

“[A] memorable collection with arresting images, unique characters—and voices that linger.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Well-made stories, written with fierce beauty.” —The Washington Post Book World