Description

Small World

Jonathan Evison’s Small World is a fascinating and expansive novel that captures the essence of different eras. Against the backdrop of significant historical events such as the California gold rush and the development of the transcontinental railroad. The story unfolds with a sense of grandeur and intrigue. The narrative takes us on a journey through time, where a diverse group of strangers are brought together by fate on a speeding train. As their lives intertwine, the novel delves into the depths of their connections. Exploring the profound and meaningful ways in which they impact each other.

Small World not only explores present-day passengers but also delves into the lives of their ancestors. Spanning over 170 years of American nation-building. Through multiple perspectives and across various locations. The novel offers a comprehensive exploration of the human experience. It poses thought-provoking questions about the choices we face and the consequences we must endure in the ever-changing landscape of time.

With a writing style reminiscent of Charles Dickens, Small World is a historical epic with rich storytelling. It seamlessly weaves the past and present, leaving a lasting impact on the reader’s heart. As the characters connect through time, the novel shines a light on the injustices that have plagued our nation, both on a grand scale and in the smallest of ways. Ultimately, Small World leaves readers with a sense of satisfaction as it examines whether our country has fulfilled its promises and invites us to reflect on our place within its complex tapestry.

Praise

“A creative, insightful work of fiction. Evison pulls off a wonderful high-wire act of storytelling that few would attempt, and even fewer could achieve so sharply!”—Jason Mott, author of the National Book Award winner Hell of a Book

“A modern classic. The book is a vast yet intimate tale about the American dream and the people for whom the vision is yet unfulfilled.”—The Christian Science Monitor

“Riveting . . . Small World feels like a reminder that not a single one of us got here alone. We have inherited strengths from the individual tales of our ancestors, but we are still deeply dependent upon each other.”—Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

“The novel is easy to love in part because it deals in generosity and hope. . . . Small World is ambitious, showing our interconnectedness across time, place, and cultures.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Evison’s writing is best when his powerful feelings for injustice and privilege grate against one another. . . . Small World feels like a big statement about America . . . and it’s filled with weighty ideas and worthy commentary on oppression and racism.”—The Washington Post

“Evison gives the story a sprightly, page-turner feel despite the sizable cast he’s assembled. . . . Without being simplistic or wearing rose-colored glasses, Evison suggests a fresh way of recognizing our relationships without melting-pot clichés. A bighearted, widescreen American tale.”—Kirkus Reviews(starred review)