The Mars Room

Mehr zum Buch

From twice National Book Award–nominated Rachel Kushner, whose Flamethrowers was hailed as “the best, most brazen, most interesting book of the year,” comes a compelling, heart-stopping novel about a life derailed in contemporary America. Set in 2003, Romy Hall begins two consecutive life sentences at Stanville Women’s Correctional Facility in California’s Central Valley. Outside, she is cut off from her past, including her young son, Jackson, and the San Francisco of her youth. Inside, she navigates a harsh reality filled with women fighting for survival, the bluster and violence of guards and inmates, and the absurdities of institutional life, all depicted with humor and precision. This stunning and unsentimental narrative showcases Kushner’s mastery and depth, blending audacity with tragedy in a propulsive yet refined style. Critics have praised her work for its vibrant storytelling and rich histories, highlighting her ability to convey profound insights with entertainment and mesmerizing detail. Kushner is recognized as a novelist of the highest caliber, offering serious pleasures and wisdom for challenging times.