An arsonist's guide to writers' homes in New England
Subtitle: a novel
By: [compiled by Vanessa Hall-Bennett]
Contributors: Hall-Bennett, Vanessa; Moline Public Library (Ill.)
Series: Novel Conversation; Novel Conversation
Publisher: Moline Public Library
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Moline, IL
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 10
ISBN-13: 9781565126381; 9781565126145
Copyright date: 2007
Subjects: Homes; Literary landmarks; FICTION; Literary; Homes and haunts; General; Arsonists (Musical group); Black humor; Fiction
Description: This book is the delightfully dark story of Sam Pulsifer, the accidental arsonist and murderer narrator who leads readers through a multilayered, flame-filled adventure about literature, lies, love and life. Growing up in Amherst, Mass., with an editor for a father and an English teacher for a mother, Sam was fed endless stories that fueled (literally and figuratively) the rest of his life. Thus, the blurred boundaries between fact and fiction, story and reality become the landscape for amusing and provocative adventures that begin when, at age 18, Sam accidentally torches the Emily Dickinson Homestead, killing two people. After serving 10 years, Sam tries to distance himself from his past through college, employment, marriage and fatherhood, but he eventually winds up back in his parents' home, separated from his wife and jobless. When more literary landmarks go up in flames, Sam is the likely suspect, and his determination to find the actual arsonist uncovers family secrets and more than a bit about human nature. Sam is equal parts fall guy and tour guide in this bighearted and wily jolt to the American literary legacy.
Notes: Book: An arsonist's guide to writers' homes in New England : a novel / by Brock Clarke. 1st ed. Chapel Hill, N.C. : Algonquin Books Of Chapel Hill, 2008, c2007. 317 p. ; 21 cm.

Includes a conversation with the author.

Includes reading group questions and topics for discussion.

Print version record.