Rhys is a former environmental reporter for a local newspaper. I was a newspaper reporter for about seven years, and still think of myself in many ways, almost as a spot-news novelist. So, I’m still drawn to write stories as they’re happening.
It was very easy at first for me to inhabit this character, Rhys, and then fill him with the rant that I find myself perpetrating in my own head all the time. And then, as always happens with fictional characters, the political becomes personal, and you start knowing much more about this cranky old guy who has moved up to the woods and spent the last seven years doing nothing but reading books and writing an incredibly ambitious book called The Atlas of Wisdom that he thinks is going to be the thing that people remember him by.
― Jess Walter, Interview, Lithub.com
What booksellers are saying about So Far Gone
- An unexpected and compelling read from Jess Walter, this novel offers a warm-hearted and, at times, humorous exploration of the profound impact politics can have on family dynamics. With strong themes of father-daughter reconciliation and the complexities of Christian Nationalism, Walter deftly navigates sensitive subjects with insight and nuance. I enjoyed it!
― Robin O’Bryant, Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers in Auburn, Alabama | BUY
- A page turner in the best way. This book filled my heart, made me laugh out loud and a then choke up a paragraph later. This witty story about the struggle between self and family will appeal to fans of Kevin Wilson.
― Kat Egan, Main Street Books in Davidson, North Carolina | BUY
- I hadn’t read Jess Walter before…but I’m heading for his backlist now! A funny and empathetic story of a fractured family in a fractured world. Walter’s storytelling and character development are spot on– making what could be a very trite story compelling and moving. A great read!
― Liz Feeney, E. Shaver, Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia | BUY
- Jess Walter’s novel is well-paced and -peopled, but its darkness was a challenge for me. I kept wondering what I might have thought of it had the November 2024 presidential election had different results. As it is, it highlights so many horrific realities that, despite my best efforts to remain positive, seem to be getting worse. Despite this all-too-relevant themes, So Far Gone does give us hope regarding the possibility of meaningful, loving repair. Perhaps, no matter how different your religious and political views may be from your loved ones’, you may be able to re-forge a meaningful connection with each other.
― Janet Geddis, Avid Bookshop in Athens, Georgia | BUY
About Jess Walter
Jess Walter is the author of seven previous novels, including the bestsellers The Cold Millions and Beautiful Ruins, the National Book Award Finalist The Zero, and Citizen Vince, winner of the Edgar Award for best novel. His short fiction, collected in The Angel of Rome and We Live in Water, has won the O. Henry Prize, the Pushcart Prize and appeared three times in Best American Short Stories. He lives in his hometown of Spokane, Washington.
