My Tango With Barbara Strozzi

Phil Ockerman has fallen hard for Bertha Strunk after meeting her at a tango lesson held in a church crypt. Phil and Bertha are each recently separated, and both their Suns are squared by Neptune. Bertha also bears a strong resemblance to the 17th-century Venetian singer and composer Barbara Strozzi—with whom Phil happens to be obsessed—to the point where Phil is no longer sure where Barbara stops and Bertha begins. On their first serious date, Phil and Barbara watch The Rainmaker, a tale of a battered wife and the murder of an ex-husband. Phil begins to suspect as to whether Barbara’s choice of film is entirely innocent, however, when afterwards he finds himself carrying around a potential murder weapon. Navigating several subway lines and considerable planetary activity, this intriguing romance tangos its way through a world of infidelity, artificial eyeballs, baseball bats, and music without missing a daring, seductive step.

Review'Hoban is the best sort of genius ... long indeed may he linger' Guardian 'Russell Hoban is unclassifiable ... he is an original; imaginative and inventive' Sunday Times 'Darkly funny' Daily Express 'Hoban's writing is always a delight - exhilarating and inventive ... a treat to read' Daily Mail

About the AuthorRussell Hoban is the author of numerous novels, including Come Dance with Me, Linger Awhile, and Riddley Walker, as well as several classic children’s books, including The Mouse and his Child and the Frances series.