Halibut on the Moon - by David Vann (Paperback)

About the Book

Hailed as "a writer to read and reread" (Economist), who "tracks the same wild territory as Joseph Conrad and Cormac McCarthy" (Observer), New York Times Notable author David Vann delivers a darkly intimate portrait of a man teetering on the precipice of life and death.

Book Synopsis

In his propulsive novel, New York Times Notable author David Vann traces the roots of mental illness in one man's life as he attempts to anchor himself to the places and people that once shaped his sense of identity. Halibut on the Moon is a searing exploration of a man held captive by the dark logic of depression and struggling mightily to wrench himself free. With fierce and unflinching insight, Vann offers us an aching portrait of a mind in peril, searching desperately for some hope of redemption.

Review Quotes

Praise for Halibut on the Moon
One of The Listener's Best Books of 2019

"Raw and heartbreaking... Generously sharing a poignant, powerful story, Vann's evocative words help us understand the erratic and illogical thinking associated with mental illness."--San Francisco Examiner

"Vann is an extraordinary writer."--Sydney Morning Herald

"Vann's unrelentingly harrowing descriptions of Jim's depressive state recalls David Foster Wallace's darkest moments. Mixing beautiful prose with unremitting bleakness, this difficult, deeply moving work will affect all who read it."--Booklist

"Affecting... A moving portrait of a family dealing with loss before it happens and of the harrowing ways depression can disrupt countless lives."--Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Aquarium
"Vann's provocative prose is filled with a sense of wonder and beauty, even when the lives he describes are tragic."--Los Angeles Times

"Elegantly written and fiercely imagined...at times, this is a painful novel, but its beauty propels it toward redemption."--Chicago Tribune

"A coming-of-age story that explores the limits of love and forgiveness. Vann submerges you so deeply in Caitlin's world, you'll be gasping for breath when you finally surface."--Entertainment Weekly

"David Vann's work has a spare, parable-like quality...[he] writes with deft control and a gift for prose propelled as effortlessly as a school of fish."--Financial Times

About the Author

DAVID VANN's internationally-bestselling books have been published in 23 languages, won 14 prizes, and appeared on 83 Best Books of the Year lists in a dozen countries. A former Guggenheim fellow, he is currently a Professor at the University of Warwick in England and Honorary Professor at the University of Franche-Comté in France.