Description
Book SynopsisMust a child's past define their future?
'Stark and beautiful . . . I haven’t read anything this good in a long time' – Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Set on the rugged plains of South Dakota, The Distance Home is the story of René and Leon, two children who grow up side by side but end up on very different paths. René is clever, athletic, aggressive, a go-getter, the apple of her father's eye; while Leon is shy, tender-hearted, a stutterer, constantly struggling for acknowledgement. They both possess a talent for dance, but it is a gift their father adores in his daughter and loathes in his son.
A heartbreaking saga of familiar turmoil, a child's desire for acceptance, and the ways in which our parents shape the adults we become, Paula Saunders' The Distance Home is a breathtaking new examination of the American dream and the eternal question of how any of us can finally be free.
'A heartfelt tale of brutal parental love' The Times
Trade ReviewDeeply involving . . .
rich, shimmering, sensuous -- Jennifer Egan, author of
A Visit From the Goon SquadStark and beautiful . . .
luminous . . .
Heartbreaking, full of compassion . . .
I haven’t read anything this good in a long time -- Rachel Joyce, author of
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold FryA
heartfelt tale of brutal parental love . . . one of
the most convincing portraits of a mother-daughter bond that I have read . . .
generous, humane * The Times *
Sensitively imagined and
perceptively told . . .
affecting and rewarding * Daily Mail *
Moving and startling . . .
a true, and rare, accomplishment -- Michael Cunningham, author of
The HoursRiveting . . . it
kept me turning pages in the wee hours.
One of the best books I’ve read in years – destined to become a classic. -- Mary Karr, author of
The Liars' ClubSaunders skillfully illuminates how time heals certain wounds while deepening others, and her depiction of aging is viscerally affecting . . .
The Distance Home becomes
a mediation of the violence of American ambition – and
a powerful call for self-examination * New York Times *
Smart and empathetic, highlighting how prejudice can make us forget about love * Elle Magazine *
Evocative, moving and deeply immersive . . . There is an
undeniable beauty to this epic portrayal of the complex and intimate nature of human relationships - well worth a read * Woman & Home *
Superb * Irish Times *
Slow-burning and contemplative . . . the emotional stakes are nevertheless high . . .
exquisitely rendered by Saunders in long,
perfect sentences * Daily Telegraph *
Incredibly assured * Observer *
Bracing and beautiful . . .
it will break your heart and open it up --
Maile Meloy, author of
Do Not Become AlarmedBeautiful, tender . . . fans of
Elizabeth Strout will love it * Prima Magazine *
An
exquisite, searing portrait of family . . .
The Distance Home will leave readers eager for more from this
extraordinarily talented writer * Booklist (starred review) *
Penetrating and insightful * Publishers Weekly *
The author’s
compassion for her characters shines through in this
honest story * Library Journal *
Honest, and true . . . this soul-searching first novel offers everywhere that most mysterious and essential of artistic achievements: heart. -- Douglas Unger, author of
Leaving the Land and
Voices from SilenceExtraordinary . . .
beautiful, evocative . . .
The Distance Home is
heart-breaking and full of compassion -- Dana Spiotta, author of
Innocents and OthersA tender book * Independent i *
Beautifully written, atmospheric and emotionally powerful * Northern Echo *
