Etna is one of those rare books that quietly sneaks into your heart and stays there. Told through the eyes of a war dog searching for home after unimaginable loss, this novel is both devastating and deeply hopeful. Paul Yoon’s writing is spare, lyrical, and so beautifully observant that every page feels like poetry. I laughed, I cried, and more than once I had to stop reading just to sit with a particularly stunning line. Etna’s journey is ultimately about belonging, resilience, and finding light after darkness. If you’re drawn to character-driven stories that leave a lasting mark, keep tissues nearby and make room on your shelf for this unforgettable novel.
Etna by Paul Yoon, (List Price: $28, Scribner, 9781668020821, August 2026)
Reviewed by Stephanie, Story Hollow in Madisonville, Tennessee