A father's legend . . .
A family's ancestral lore . . .
And two brothers will all collide.
From the author of False Neutral comes Clear-Cuts, a raw, visceral, unflinching tale about the ties that bind coming unbound. Set in the rough-hewn woods of northern Maine, Clear-Cuts is a tense, fast-paced New England narrative related in Mr. Narins' trademark compact time signature. Piercing and resolute in tone, relentless and unwavering in storytelling, Clear-Cuts is a dynamic, immersive reading experience for plot-centric devotees and character-driven fiction fans alike.
2024 Distinguished Favorite - Independent Press Award
2024 Distinguished Favorite - NYC Big Book Award
2023 Finalist - The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, U.K.
Review :
TWSBR, U.K 'A strongly plotted, often gritty novel filled with fully formed, complex characters.' I must say, I very much enjoyed this gritty, character-led novel from the pen of talented author, Joshua S. Narins. Concisely written, this family drama works hard to offer the reader a compelling insight into sibling rivalry. Mr. Narins is, in many ways, a man of few words; there's very little in the way of flowery prose here; it's all very tight, compact, with excellent pacing. Jane Austen would turn in her grave! So, what's it about? Well, in a nutshell, it's the story of Jack Dougherty who returns home for the funeral of his father. What follows is very much a dark, family drama, with plenty of sparks flying between Jack and his younger brother, Michael. Another character, Jacqueline, also brings much to the story; so much so, she almost steals the show. There were many elements to this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the author works hard to bring the characters to life. As a result, the reader gets to know them, warts and all. And, trust me when I tell you, there are plenty of warts with this cast of characters! I also enjoyed the no-nonsense writing style; saying that, it is literary in parts, but the author seems to understand the importance of pacing, and keeps things moving all the way to the end. Finally, the author's a dab hand with dialogue, using it to successfully develop his characters and the plot. So, if you happen to be looking for a well-written story that's sexy, satirical, and gritty you'll probably enjoy Clear-Cuts. I think most readers will enjoy the 1990s setting, and the general unpredictability of the plot and the characters. All in all, it's a bit of a gem.
MAINCREST MEDIA - Book Review of Clear-Cuts by Joshua S. Narins Joshua S. Narins' Clear-Cuts is a gripping family drama set in the rugged wilderness of northern Maine, where long-held resentments and fragile loyalties begin to surface. The story centers on Jack Dougherty, a Wall Street trader who returns home for his father's funeral. There, he reconnects with his younger brother, Michael, whose quieter, more grounded life is very different from Jack's. What starts as an uneasy reunion quickly turns into a tense and emotional clash, as the brothers confront years of rivalry, resentment, and the lasting influence of the man who shaped them. Narins' writing is sharp and evocative. The tension builds naturally, and the emotional moments feel genuine without being overdone. One of the novel's biggest strengths is its dialogue: sharp, realistic, and often filled with underlying tension. Through conversations, Narins reveals the fractures within his characters, allowing their personalities to emerge vividly without excessive exposition. The characters themselves are messy, flawed, and compelling. Jack and Michael are raw, honest and deeply human, and although they're not always easy characters to admire, they are impossible to ignore. The supporting characters also help create a world that feels both believable and emotionally charged, where love and dysfunction exist side by side. At its heart, Clear-Cuts explores what it really means to be part of a family. It raises questions about whether love is enough to heal deep wounds, and how the past continues to shape who we become. Beneath its gritty surface, the novel offers a meaningful look at identity, memory, and the challenge of making peace with others, and with yourself. With its vivid setting, memorable characters, and strong pacing, Clear-Cuts offers a compelling look at family relationships pushed to their limits. Perfect for readers who enjoy powerful, character-driven stories with sharp dialogue and emotional depth.
