This novel explores the life of a successful lawyer who is afflicted with a mysterious condition that compels him to walk without any control over when or where. His uncontrollable walks disrupt his professional life and strain his family relationships, leading to a profound examination of identity, mental illness, and the impermanence of life. As he grapples with his condition, the narrative delves into themes of love, the essence of self, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Through his journey, the protagonist confronts the fundamental question of what it means to truly live when one's basic autonomy is stripped away.
The 9856th greatest book of all time
Joshua Ferris is the author of novels Then We Came to the End, The Unnamed and To Rise Again at a Decent Hour as well as a story collection, The Dinner Party. He has been a finalist for the National Book Award, winner of the Barnes and Noble Discover Award and the PEN/Hemingway Award, short-listed for the Man Booker Prize, and winner of the International Dylan Thomas Prize. He was named one of The New Yorker's "20 Under 40" writers in 2010. He lives in Hudson, New York with his wife and son.
Read more