The French translation of my short story collection, and first published book, Debris, was officially put out into the words just over a week ago, and I’ve been seeing some social media posts and reviews show up over in France and other parts of Europe.

Toutes les chances qu’on se donne was published by Éditions Albin Michel, and translated by Janique Jouin de Laurens, both of whom I owe my admiration for their hard work on the collection and, a few years ago, the translation of my novel In the Cage as Dans la Cage. The response so far has been encouraging as I wait on word about my latest novel and keep on writing new work in this ongoing pandy. So I decided to share some of the reviews I’ve got from book bloggers and book club members that contribute to a robust base of French readers that is frankly to be envied over here in Canada.

Here’s a few lines from some of those, with links to the blogs they might appear on, where possible:

Over the course of these eleven short stories, Kevin Hardscastle’s pen is flawless again, blending beautiful descriptions and punchy dialogue… “Bandits”, “Hunted by coyotes” and the eponymous short story “All the chances we give ourselves”(Debris) would not be out of place in the Daniel Woodrell collection “The Outlaw Album” or Chris Offutt’s “Kentucky Straight”.

Clete – Nyctalope

Kevin Hardcastle is a great writer, it shows in his way of weaving stories that grab your guts and never let go. These characters are the witnesses of life as it is, without falsity… “All the chances we give ourselves” is a formidable collection drawing from the noir novel the literary pulsations that vibrate our hearts of readers. This has just been published by Albin Michel in the very beautiful “Terres d’Amérique” collection. I warmly encourage you to read it.

Frédéric M – Culture in all its forms

This collection in my opinion has a big problem: it is too short! The characters come to life within a few pages and despite the darkness we would like to accompany them longer. Written in a simple yet sure-handed and impactful style, all of these stories are bursting with a mixture of violence and hope.

Madame Tapioca

There are more of them out there that I’ve seen mostly on Instagram and whatnot, but I’ll leave it there for now. I had a feeling this one might be less polarizing to readers in Europe, despite covering similar territory and sharing that style and tone and atmosphere that comes with all of my work. Nonetheless, I appreciate all of the readers that have found the collection and have recommended it to other readers. You are truly champions, and I hope all of your dreams take flight on the wings of a pegacorn…

I’ll keep an eye out for others, and for reviews that might show up in the papers and such, as they did with Dans la Cage. In the meantime, I’m back to sitting outside in random spots in Toronto and chopping away at the latest work.

Take care of each other out there, and keep the dream alive.
KH