Understanding Stewart O'Nan

Stewart O Nan is a well-known author who has written eighteen novels, several works of nonfiction, and two short-story collections. He received the Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society's Gold Medal for best novel for Snow Angels and the Drew Heinz Prize for In the Walled City. Heike Paul's book, Understanding Stewart O Nan, appraises his oeuvre to date, including his popular multigenerational trilogy of novels that received enthusiastic reviews in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Publisher's Weekly, and the Guardian. Paul argues that O Nan is not only a writer of popular fiction but also has developed into a major literary voice worthy of canonical status and having a firm place in school, college, and university curricula. He analyzes his use of formulas of long-standing popular American genres, such as the Western and the gothic tale, as he re-invents them in innovative and complex ways, creating a style that Paul describes as everyday gothic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2020
Publisher: University of South Carolina Press

This first book-length study of Stewart O Nan's work offers a comprehensive introduction to his writings and carefully examines recurring thematic concerns and stylistic characteristics of his novels. The author of eighteen novels, several works of nonfiction, and two short-story collections, O Nan received the Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society's Gold Medal for best novel for Snow Angels and the Drew Heinz Prize for In the Walled City. In 1996, Granta magazine named him one of the Twenty Best Young American Novelists. In Understanding Stewart O Nan, Heike Paul appraises O Nan's oeuvre to date, including his popular multigenerational trilogy of novels--Wish You Were Here; Emily, Alone; and Henry, Himself--that received enthusiastic reviews in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Publisher's Weekly, and the Guardian. Paul argues that O Nan is not only a writer of popular fiction but also has developed into a major literary voice worthy of canonical status and of having a firm place in school, college, and university curricula. To this end, Paul analyzes his use of formulas of long-standing popular American genres, such as the Western and the gothic tale, as he re-invents them in innovative and complex ways creating a style that Paul describes as everyday gothic. She also offers a critical examination of O Nan's treatment of American myths and vivid descriptions of struggling middle-class settings and individuals who lead precarious lives. Paul believes this first critical study of O Nan's collected works will be instrumental in building a critical archive and analysis of his oeuvre.

Understanding Stewart O Nan

In his comprehensive examination of Stewart O Nan's literary work, Understanding Stewart O Nan, Heike Paul delves into the depth and breadth of the author's writings. Spanning eighteen novels, numerous nonfiction pieces, and two short-story collections, O Nan has established himself as a prominent figure in the literary landscape. His accolades include the prestigious Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society's Gold Medal for Snow Angels and the Drew Heinz Prize for In the Walled City. Notably, in 1996, Granta magazine recognized O Nan as one of the Twenty Best Young American Novelists, acknowledging his significant contributions to the genre.

Paul's analysis in Understanding Stewart O Nan encompasses the entirety of O Nan's oeuvre, including his well-received multigenerational trilogy of novels. These works, Wish You Were Here, Emily, Alone, and Henry, Himself, have garnered critical acclaim and enthusiastic reviews from esteemed publications such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, Publisher's Weekly, and the Guardian. Paul's examination reveals that O Nan is not merely a purveyor of popular fiction but rather a writer who has emerged as a significant literary voice deserving of canonical status. His innovative reinterpretations of traditional genres, such as the Western and the gothic tale, demonstrate his ability to create a distinctive style that he aptly describes as "everyday gothic."

Furthermore, Paul's critical study extends to O Nan's treatment of American myths and his vivid descriptions of struggling middle-class settings and individuals who lead precarious lives. Through meticulous analysis, Paul demonstrates how O Nan weaves these themes into his narratives, creating a profound and relatable portrayal of the human experience. By examining the nuances of O Nan's writing, Paul aims to establish a critical archive and analysis of his oeuvre, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of his literary contributions.

Understanding Stewart O Nan serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of literature. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the author's work, delves into his thematic concerns and stylistic characteristics, and establishes him as a significant literary voice. Through his innovative reinterpretations of popular genres and his sensitive portrayal of the human condition, O Nan has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. This critical study will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing appreciation and analysis of his oeuvre, ensuring that his legacy continues to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781643361505