The Last Language: A Novel

A gripping new novel by Jennifer duBois explores the inner workings of a woman's mind as she becomes obsessed with a twenty-eight-year-old patient who has been confined to his bedroom for most of his life. The novel delves into the basis of humanity and is provocative and profound in its exploration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Milkweed Editions

From Jennifer duBois, a distinguished American novelist celebrated for her ability to comprehend both the sweeping arc of history and the intricate nuances that bring it to life, emerges a gripping new novel. Described as a writer of thrilling psychological precision by Justin Torres, duBois' work delves into the depths of human emotions and motivations.

In 2001, Angela's world is shattered when she is abruptly dismissed from her graduate program in linguistics at Harvard University, just months after the untimely passing of her husband. Adding to her grief, she experiences a miscarriage. Haunted by suppressed unresolved trauma, Angela and her four-year-old child find solace in her mother's home. Trained in the intricacies of spoken language as the cornerstone of thought, Angela lands a job at the Center, a fledgling organization pioneering an experimental therapy aimed at assisting nonspeaking patients with motor impairments.

Through her work at the Center, Angela forms a close bond with Sam, a twenty-eight-year-old patient who has spent the majority of his life confined to his bedroom. Sam's remarkable aptitude for technology captivates Angela, reigniting her once profound philosophical interest in language. Their interactions bring Angela's understanding of language to life in a vibrant and captivating manner. As their relationship deepens, Angela becomes fiercely drawn to Sam, and their connection evolves into an intimate one.

However, their happiness is short-lived when Sam's family becomes aware of their relationship and intervenes, bringing legal charges against them. As Angela recounts her story from prison, in the form of an unrepentant plea, we are transported into the depths of her mind. Angela relentlessly pursues a deeper understanding of language and humanity, rejecting all else in her quest. As the sole narrator and perspective giver, duBois' understanding of Angela's journey leads us into a realm of ambiguity, creating a mesmerizing Nabokovian hall of mirrors as she delves deeper into her obsession.

Profound and provocative in its exploration of the human condition, duBois' novel offers a thought-provoking examination of the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of knowledge. Through Angela's unwavering determination and her relentless pursuit of truth, the reader is invited to reflect on the nature of language, the power of empathy, and the boundaries of human understanding.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 148 x 223 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781639551088