The Vanishing Moon
The Vanishing Moon by Joseph Coulson, published by Harcourt in 2005, is a novel that explores the experiences of a working-class American family over five decades, from the Great Depression to the Vietnam War. Through a chorus of candid voices, the narrative unfolds as Stephen Tollman reflects on his childhood adventures with his brother Philip, who both strive to protect their younger siblings from the looming threat of financial instability.
Readers will encounter a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences as the story delves into themes of family bonds and the psychological impact of hardship. The novel also introduces Katherine Lennox, whose presence captivates both brothers, and follows Philip’s son James as he navigates the tumultuous 1960s, grappling with his father’s anger amidst a backdrop of social upheaval. This edition spans 351 pages and is presented in English, offering a profound look at the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Official synopsis Publisher
A chorus of candid and poignant voices narrates this novel about a working-class American family who struggles to succeed through five turbulent decades, from the Depression to the Vietnam War. First, Stephen Tollman looks back on his early adventures with his older brother, Philip, as the boys try to shield their younger siblings from the vulnerability of financial ruin. Years later, the vibrant and ambitious Katherine Lennox mesmerizes Stephen and Philip as they both tragically fall in love with her. Then, Philip’s son James comes of age in the 1960s, striving to understand his father’s deep anger amid a summer of assassinations and civil unrest.
Together, these voices create an insightful, beautiful, and deeply psychological story about the American working class, about the strength and strain of family bonds, and finally, about hardships that haunt the human psyche over a lifetime.
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