The Birdcatcher

"Gayl Jones's work represents a watershed in American literature."
-Imani Perry

Legendary writer Gayl Jones returns with a stunning new novel about Black American artists in exile --continuing the story of her beloved character Amanda Wordlaw (from The Healing and Mosquito)

Gayl Jones has been described as one of the great literary writers of the 20th century. Now, for the first time in over 20 years, Jones is publishing again. In the wake of her long-awaited fifth novel, Palmares, The Birdcatcher is another singular achievement, a return to the worlds of her National Book Award finalist, The Healing.

Set in the 1970's, the story is narrated by the writer Amanda Wordlaw, whose closest friend, a gifted sculptor named Catherine Shuger, is repeatedly institutionalized for trying to kill a husband who never leaves her. The three form a quirky triangle on the white-washed island of Ibiza.

A study in Black women's creative expression, this latest work from Jones shows off her range and insight into the vicissitudes of all human nature - rewarding longtime fans and bringing her talent to a new generation of readers.