Open Throat A Novel
Open Throat by Henry Hoke, published by Picador on June 4, 2024, is a novel that presents a unique narrative through the eyes of a queer mountain lion living in a drought-stricken landscape beneath the Hollywood sign. This 176-page work explores themes of loneliness and identity as the lion observes human behavior while protecting a nearby homeless encampment. The story unfolds as the lion grapples with personal memories and the complexities of existence in a world marked by both beauty and hardship.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of experiences as the mountain lion navigates the challenges posed by a man-made fire that forces it into the city. The narrative delves into the inequalities of Los Angeles and the emotional weight of climate grief, all while maintaining a playful yet profound tone. Open Throat invites exploration of the lion’s internal struggles and external threats, culminating in a poignant question about identity and survival. This edition offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of animal and human experiences, making it a notable addition to contemporary fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
Finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize, and the James Tait Black Prize for Fiction. One of the Washington Post‘s 50 Notable Works of Fiction in 2023. One of The New York Times‘ 10 Best California Books of 2023. Longlisted for the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award.
“Open Throat is what fiction should be.” —The New York Times Book Review
A lonely, lovable, queer mountain lion narrates this star-making fever dream of a novel.
A queer and dangerously hungry mountain lion lives in the drought-devastated land under the Hollywood sign. Lonely and fascinated by humanity’s foibles, the lion spends their days protecting a nearby homeless encampment, observing hikers complain about their trauma, and, in quiet moments, grappling with the complexities of their gender identity, memories of a vicious father, and the indignities of sentience.
When a man-made fire engulfs the encampment, the lion is forced from the hills down into the city the hikers call “ellay.” As the lion confronts a carousel of temptations and threats, they take us on a tour that spans the cruel inequalities of Los Angeles and the toll of climate grief. But even when salvation finally seems within reach, they are forced to face down the ultimate question: Do they want to eat a person, or become one?
Henry Hoke’s Open Throat is a marvel of storytelling, a universal journey through a wondrous and menacing world recounted by a lovable mountain lion. Feral and vulnerable, profound and playful, Open Throat is a star-making novel that brings the mythic to life.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Open Throat A Novel” about?
Who is the author of “Open Throat A Novel”?
When was “Open Throat A Novel” published?
What is the ISBN for “Open Throat A Novel”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
