‘I’d heard more good whispers about Pond by Claire-Louise Bennett than almost any other debut this year so, by the time I read it, expectations were high and – as it turned out – not disappointed. These stories are intelligent and funny, innovative and provocative, and it’s impossible to read them without thinking that here is a writer who has only just begun to show what she can do.’

— Eimear McBride, author of A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing

‘Bennett’s language is an ornate and long-winded riposte to all those pared-back minimalists, and I love it.’

 — Jon McGregor, The Guardian

‘This is a truly stunning debut, beautifully written and profoundly witty.’

— Andrew Gallix, The Guardian

‘This uncategorizable book will leave you positively buoyant.’

— Heller McAlpin, LA Times

‘Wielding a wry but implacable logic, Claire-Louse Bennett dives under the surface of “ordinary” experiences and things to reveal their supreme and giddy illogic. Like Gail Scott and Lydia Davis before her, she writes an impeccable affect-less prose that almost magically arrives at something extraordinary.’ 

— Chris Kraus, author of I Love Dick

‘Claire-Louise Bennett is a major writer to be discovered and treasured.’

— Deborah Levy, author of Swimming Home

‘As brilliant a debut and as distinct a voice as we’ve heard in years – this is a real writer with the real goods.’

— Kevin Barry, author of City of Bohane

‘Claire-Louise Bennett sets the conventions of literary fiction ablaze in this ferociously intelligent and funny debut. Don't be fooled by Pond’s small size. It contains multitudes.’

— Jenny Offill, author of Dept. of Speculation