Popular Right Now: Lori and Joe by Amy Arnold

Amy Arnold's "Lori & Joe," published by Prototype Press, offers an intimate portrayal of grief and loneliness. Set against the backdrop of the serene yet haunting landscape of the Lake District, this novel takes readers on a poignant journey through the complexities of loss and the resilience of the human spirit. Shortlisted for the Goldsmiths award also, for those who care for such things.

The story unfolds over the course of a single day, as Lori wakes to the shocking discovery of her husband Joe's sudden death. Strangely, rather than going to find help, Lori sets out on a solitary walk through the mist-shrouded Cumbrian fells. As she navigates the rugged terrain, her thoughts swirl with memories of her 25-year relationship with Joe and the secrets that have long remained buried.

Arnold's prose is both lyrical and raw, drawing readers into the depths of Lori's consciousness with its swirling, circumambulatory internal monologues. Through this narrative technique, Arnold invites readers to experience the full spectrum of Lori's emotions, from the piercing ache of grief to the quiet moments of reflection and introspection.

The landscape of the Lake District emerges as a central character in its own right, serving as a mirror for Lori's inner turmoil and the violence she has endured. The open, spare landscapes of Cumbria evoke a sense of movement and change, even as Lori finds herself trapped in a cycle of stagnation and inertia.

In a recent interview, Arnold reflected on the role of landscape in the novel, describing how the seemingly motionless scenery of the Lake District gives the illusion of movement—a metaphor, perhaps, for Lori's own sense of being stuck in time. As Lori traverses the fells, she is confronted with the stark reality of her existence and the painful memories that lie beneath the surface.

Interested readers can find "Lori & Joe" available for purchase at our bookshop, it has been selling well! Contact us to order yours now!