The Horse by Willy Vlautin (plus ltd edition author signed book plate)

from Heavenly Recordings

Book/Magazine

PLEASE NOTE WE CANNOT SHIP BOOKS WITH RECORDS

Published by Faber & Faber on 2 May
Hardback / 224 pages

For fans of A Star is Born and Crazy Heart, Willy Vlautin's most personal novel yet - a poetic and deeply moving story about what it really takes to be a musician.

‘There's a horse', he whispered. 'An old horse that's standing in front of my house. He's blind and he won't eat and I don't know what to do.’

THE HORSE follows Al Ward, who lives on an isolated mining claim in the high desert of central Nevada fifty miles from the nearest town. A grizzled man in his sixties, he survives on canned soup, instant coffee, and memories of his ex-wife, friends and family he’s lost, and his life as a touring musician. Hampered by insomnia, bouts of anxiety, and a chronic lethargy that keeps him from moving back to town, Al finds himself teetering on the edge of madness and running out of reasons to go on—until a horse arrives on his doorstep: nameless, blind, and utterly helpless.

"I loved this novel so much, though it broke my heart again and again. No one anywhere writes with such power and such stark beauty about American desperation and want, American loneliness and heartache. We need Willy Vlautin like we needed Johnny Cash, like we needed Larry McMurtry—he’s essential and every book he writes proves it all over again." Joe Hill

“I loved ’The Horse’ like I love all Willy Vlautin joints—for its melodic prose and its unflinching heart. This terrific parable of art and aging, laced within the bittersweet story of an old casino musician, is like the literary equivalent of a classic album by Tom Waits or Townes Van Zandt.” Jess Walter

Willy will be touring the UK and Ireland in support of the release. These ticketed events will feature conversation about the book and songs that inspired THE HORSE as well as a handful of Richmond Fontaine and Delines songs performed by Willy. Available for sale only at these events will be an illustrated short story featuring drawings by longtime collaborator Nate Beaty. US dates coming soon….

13 May - Komedia, Brighton
14 May - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
15 May - CCA, Glasgow
16 May - Band On The Wall, Manchester
18 May - Earth Theatre, London -
19 May - Lantern, Bristol
21 May - Deers Head, Belfast
22 May - Sugar Club, Dublin

Vlautin’s new novel is a gorgeous homage to the uncelebrated musicians who make our lives more joyful, and, as always, an exploration of loneliness, humanity and resilience.

shipping out on or around May 2, 2024
4 remaining
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  £15.99 GBP or more 

 

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