Ohio

Ohio is a debut novel by Stephen Chbosky that follows four former high school classmates who reunite in their hometown on a sweltering night in 2013. The novel explores themes of addiction, family, and betrayal and is praised for its precise writing and ambitious scope.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2019
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

A remarkable literary debut, "Ohio" is a beautifully precise and profoundly ambitious work. The New York Times Book Review praised it as "extraordinary...beautifully precise," while NPR described it as a "wild, angry, and devastating masterpiece of a book." O, The Oprah Magazine hailed it as "epic fiction that lays bare contemporary culture clashes, showing us who we are and how we got here." Seth Meyers, host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, expressed his lasting impression of the book, stating, "A book that has stayed with me ever since I put it down."

The story unfolds on a scorching night in 2013, when four former high school classmates reunite in their hometown in northeastern Ohio. Among them are Bill Ashcraft, a passionate young activist struggling with drug addiction and whose restless ambitions have led him on a journey from Cambodia to Zuccotti Park to post-BP New Orleans, and now back home with a mysterious package concealed beneath his truck. Stacey Moore is a doctoral candidate who reluctantly confronts her family and the mother of her best friend and first love, whose disappearance sets the central mystery of the novel in motion. Dan Eaton is a shy veteran of three tours in Iraq, returning home for a dinner date with his high school sweetheart, whom he has tirelessly tried to forget. Lastly, Tina Ross, a beautiful and fragile young woman, meets with the washed-up captain of the football team, triggering a shocking climax that unfolds over the course of the evening.

"Ohio" skillfully alternates between the perspectives of these unforgettable characters, allowing readers to delve into their dark secrets, revisit old regrets, and uncover—and exacerbate—bitter betrayals. As the night progresses, these narratives converge seamlessly, revealing a mystery so profound and shocking that it will leave readers breathless.

"Ohio" is a testament to the power of storytelling, as it explores the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of choices, and the unyielding forces of fate. With its vivid prose, intricate character development, and thought-provoking themes, this debut novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates exceptional literary craftsmanship.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 210 x 142 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501174483