Description

At one prestigious American public school, the boys like to emphasise their democratic ideals – the only acknowledged snobbery is literary snobbery. Once a term, a big name from the literary world visits and a contest takes place. The boys have to submit a piece of writing and the winner receives a private audience with the visitor. But then it is announced that Hemingway, the boys’ hero, is coming to the school. The competition intensifies, and the morals the school and the boys pride themselves on – honour, loyalty and friendship – are crumbling under the strain. Only time will tell who will win and what it will cost them.

Publisher Review

'Think Dead Poets' Society crossed with The Catcher in the Rye ... a beautifully crafted all-American coming-of-age tale' Esquire 'This is the kind of novel that endures - wise, clever and written with immense heart' Observer 'Exceptionally good ... comparable to the work of Philip Roth. This reviewer was tempted to send Wolff a fan letter' Blake Morrison, Sunday Telegraph 'A wonderful, subtle novel' Geoff Dyer, Books of the Year, Daily Telegraph