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An audacious tale of murder, privilege, and servitude - of both humans and nature.
A stunning work of imaginative fiction, Last Hummingbird West of Chile spins a tale of adventure that is in turn comedic, violent, poignant and thoughtful. Through the exploits of a young sailor ... Read more
An audacious tale of murder, privilege, and servitude - of both humans and nature.
A stunning work of imaginative fiction, Last Hummingbird West of Chile spins a tale of adventure that is in turn comedic, violent, poignant and thoughtful. Through the exploits of a young sailor born in questionable circumstance and a pair of murderous servants, as well as an assortment of other 19th century regulars, the vital subjects of today—race, religion, sexuality, environment—are framed in history and human culture.
Through narration by human protagonists, a tree, a hummingbird, various beasts, and the landscape itself, Ruddock tells a story of colonialism and environment, brutality and privilege, and the best and worst of human nature.
Nicholas Ruddock is a Canadian physician and writer. He has won numerous international prizes and was shortlisted for the Moth International Poetry Award (Ireland) in 2020.
His first novel, The Parabolist (2010), was shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award and the Arthur Ellis Award. His second novel, Night Ambulance (2016), was a Next Generation Indie Book Awards finalist.
Nicholas has been published in numerous international publications in Canada, England, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.
Praise for How Loveta Got Her Baby
“Accomplished, original, witty and wise. ”
— Helen Humphreys
Praise for The Parabolist
"Packed with smarts, wit, and the spirit of Bolaño, The Parabolist envisions Toronto as an antic place full of characters willing to go to the brink for good sex, good love or a good poem. "
— Kyo Maclear, author of The Letter Opener
Praise for The Parabolist
“With dazzling skill, Ruddock blends his intricate knowledge of medicine into an exciting, compelling, and expertly layered mystery. "
— Anthony De Sa, author of Barnacle Love
Praise for The Parabolist
"The narrative is infused with the kind of intellectual energy and playfulness that is woefully lacking in so much Canadian fiction. "
Praise for Night Ambulance
“Ruddock has a refined ear for dialogue and a mischievous sense of humour. He also knows how to bring a story to a memorable conclusion. ”
— David Bezmozgis
Praise for How Loveta Got Her Baby
“Nobody can mistake the ingenuity of Nicholas Ruddock. .. Ruddock has talent to burn; he writes with verve and style. ”
— Madeleine Thien
Praise for The Parabolist
"Passionate, off-hand, deeply charming and deeply original. ”
— Damian Tarnopolsky, author of Goya's Dog
Praise for The Parabolist
"The Parabolist is an inventive, poetic, and thoroughly wonderful book. "
— Vincent Lam, author of Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures
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