Shortlisted for the Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize 2019
A fierce,poignant and highly original memoir about sexuality,shame and the lure of the trees
After the disintegration of the most significant relationship of his life,the demons Luke Turner has been battling since childhood are quick to return - depression and guilt surrounding his identity as a bisexual man,experiences of sexual abuse,and the religious upbringing that was the cause of so much confusion. It is among the trees of London's Epping Forest where he seeks refuge. But once a place of comfort,it now seems full of unexpected,elusive threats that trigger twisted reactions.
No stranger to compulsion,Luke finds himself drawn again and again to the woods,eager to uncover the strange secrets that may be buried there as he investigates an old family rumour of illicit behaviour. Away from a society that still struggles to cope with the complexities of masculinity and sexuality,Luke begins to accept the duality that has provoked so much unrest in his life - and reconcile the expectations of others with his own way of being.
Out of the Woodsis a dazzling,devastating and highly original memoir about the irresistible yet double-edged potency of the forest,and the possibility of learning to find peace in the grey areas of life.
Publisher: Orion Publishing CoISBN: 9781474607162Number of pages: 288Weight: 260 gDimensions: 196 x 130 x 30 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'... a book that turns the nature memoir genre upon its head... full of poetry and pathos... a beautiful study of how to be a true modern man.'- The Spectator
'Out of the Woodsis a brave and beautiful book,electrifying on sex and nature,religion and love. No one is writing quite like this. I'm so glad Luke Turner exists.'- Olivia Laing,author of The Lonely City
'Out of the Woods had me hooked. Refreshing,frank,edifying,courageous...I was quite emotional by the end. Luke Turner is a serious thinker and a unique and important new voice.'- Amy Liptrot,author of The Outrun
'Unflinching on relationships,the nature of obsession,lust,masculinity,faith and lost innocence.Out of the Woods is a very special book.'- Brett Anderson
'Out of the Woodsis emotionally and sexually charged,deeply moving,with hauntingly exquisite writing and an extraordinary command of language that draws you into the depths of the forest and Luke's struggles with bisexuality,religion and love. Such raw honesty is precious and makes for a powerful read. I feel like I want to bind this book in wood and keep it in a special place for when I return to read it again and again.'- Cosey Fanni Tutti
'Out of the Woodsis like nothing I've read before - rich,honest,humane and thoughtful,it is utterly original and really gets into the bones.'- Lucy Jones
'Sparkling with sexual energy and intelligence,Out of the Woodsis both a timely reminder of the dangers of concealment and suppression,and a powerful testament to the redemptive power of - lovingly,determinedly - making what was hidden known.'- Helen Jukes,author of A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings
'A compulsive and beautifully written debut: all those who loved The Outrunshould read it.'- Caroline Sanderson,Editor's Choice,The Bookseller
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