The Fahrenheit Twins

Book excerpt: Deft and lyrical, fearless and human, The Fahrenheit Twins sealed Faber's reputation as one of Britain's most arresting and important authors. Renowned for his pitch-perfect prose and brilliant characterisation, Faber is also celebrated for his mastery of wildly different styles. Within these seventeen stories he levels his gaze at humanity in all its despair, joy and mundanity. From the achingly sad lost lives of 'The Safehouse' through moments of exquisitely distilled happiness in 'Vanilla-Bright Like Eminem' to the biblical innocence and savagery of 'The Fahrenheit Twins', we are redeemed, abandoned, beloved and laid bare but we are always recognisable. Michel Faber has written several books, including the highly acclaimed The Crimson Petal and the White, The Fahrenheit Twins and the novellas The Hundred and Ninety-Nine Steps and The Courage Consort. The Apple, based on characters in The Crimson Petal and the White, was published in 2006. He has also won several short-story awards, including the Neil Gunn, Ian St James and Macallan. He was born in Holland, brought up in Australia and now lives in the Scottish Highlands. textpublishing.com.au 'Some are splendid fables, a couple border on the silly, while a few are truly poignant and complete. However, all are worth reading for the dizzying balancing act of a compulsively satirical, yet resolutely humanitarian voice.' Courier Mail 'Whether you are new to his work or an established fan, The Fahrenheit Twins is a delight.' Australian Bookseller & Publisher 'Faber's extraordinary imagination can be as dark as the deepest dungeon and as light as a wisp of gossamer, and he gives it full rein. Each of the stories is as unlike the others as possible, so every time you start one you have no idea what to expect - except you know you're in for a total treat.' Good Reading 'Were you to lock Paul Auster, Roald Dahl and Ian McEwan in a room together, the result might well resemble this collection of short stories by Michel Faber.' Sydney Morning Herald 'By turns crepuscular, buoyant, delicate, wry, horrific, otherworldly, this worldly and organ-rupturingly funny collection is a vitamin-boost for the British short-story.' David Mitchell, Guardian 'Such is the state of affairs in Faberville; anything is possible. And such is the other thing about these stories - their ability to get to you and stay with you.' The Times 'Dazzling...Faber is defiantly and inventively unafraid of love; he's optimistic and alive with possibilities.' Observer