In the Distance

De: Hernan Diaz

Narrado por: Alexander Skarsgard

The first novel by the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Trust, an exquisite and blisteringly intelligent story of a young Swedish boy, separated from his brother, who becomes a legend and an outlaw

A young Swedish immigrant finds himself penniless and alone in California. The boy travels east in search of his brother, moving on foot against the great current of emigrants pushing west. Driven back again and again, he meets criminals, naturalists, religious fanatics, swindlers, American Indians, and lawmen, and his exploits turn him into a legend. Diaz defies the conventions of historical fiction and genre, offering a probing look at the stereotypes that populate our past and a portrait of radical foreignness.

©2024 Hernan Diaz (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

FINALIST FOR THE PULITZER PRIZE
FINALIST FOR THE PEN/FAULKNER AWARD
WINNER OF THE WHITING AWARD
WINNER OF THE SAROYAN INTERNATIONAL PRIZE FOR WRITING
WINNER OF THE VCU CABELL FIRST NOVELIST AWARD
WINNER OF THE NEW AMERICAN VOICES AWARD
A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY TOP 10 BOOK OF THE YEAR

“A gorgeously written novel that charts one man’s growth from boyhood to mythic status as he journeys between continents and the extremes of the human condition.” —Pulitzer Prize finalist citation

“Strange and transporting . . . In the Distance [is] an uncanny achievement.” —The New York Times

“The prose is as unbroken as the horizon. . . . It’s as if Herman Melville had navigated the American West, instead of the ocean.” —The Nation

“This suspenseful novel is a potent depiction of loneliness, a memorable immigration narrative, and a canny reinvention of the old-school western.” —Publishers Weekly

Poignant and desolate

Loved the narration, a truly gorgeous description of the strength of spirit one boy develops over extraordinary hardship and solitude.

Hints of Cormac McCarthy and Magical Realism

The novel was reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy woven through with bits of magical realism. The novel follows a Swedish boy though a life of searching for his bother in the American west of the 1800’s. The book is strange, oddly beautiful, and lingers after reading. I have added the author to my to-read list.

Loved listening to Alex’s voice

I could listen to Alexander Skarsgård read anything. I looked forward to listening every night. I hope he does more.

Loneliness as a lifestyle

I liked the narrative overall, the reader, the story and theme about how a man equipped with strength and purpose survived every hardship

Highly recommend!!

Excellent narrative. Captivating story. This author is wonderful His books are intense and so well written

What a soothing Swedish voice and tale

I initially bought the book only because my Beloved Swede, Alexander Skarsgård, was narrating. He was spectacular, but I was pleasantly surprised when I was draw into the story. I couldn't wait to here where the adventure would lead next. I can really relate to the main character, Hoakan. Loved this story!📚🤓📚

A Western Fable

"In the Distance" reads like a Western fable. A rogue's gallery of people transforms a foreigner into a misunderstood legend of the Old West, traveling around the prairies, deserts, and mountains from one ill-fated encounter to another. He can never stay in one place long long before people discover him. In a way, he is a cross between Paul Bunyan and Frankenstein due to his height. His journey says a lot about our country in Hernan Diaz's brilliant first novel. I highly recommend it.

Barely worth finishing

It probably not worth your time to read either In The Distance or Blood Meridian, but it’s definitely a waste of time to read both.