Shrapnel

Description

A previously unpublished wartime memoir from the acclaimed author of Birdy and A Midnight Clear. One of the most acclaimed American writers of his generation, and author of classic novels such as Birdy, A Midnight Clear and Dad, William Wharton was a very private man. Writing under a pseudonym, he rarely gave interviews, so fans and critics could only guess how much of his work was autobiographical and how much was fiction. Now, for the first time, we are able to read the author's own account of his experiences during the Second World War, events that went on to influence some of his greatest novels. These are the tales that Wharton never wanted to tell his children. It is an unforgettable true story from one of America's greatest writers.

Reviews

Praise for William Wharton: "It is possible in Wharton's books to hear echoes of the artistic range and grasp of Herman Melville. He manages to combine the zest for life of Whitman and the precision of Hemingway, while having his own unique postmodern magical style. I know of no other writer who can delineate so successfully what it is to be an American." - Sunday Times "A terrific read, if you don't mind a book that punches you in the solar plexus every half-dozen pages." - Salman Rushdie 'Wonderful' - Doris Lessing 'Wharton is exceptionally gifted' - John Fowles

Author description

William Wharton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1925. During the Second World War, Wharton served in the US army, until an injury led to his discharge. In 1978, Wharton's first novel, 'Birdy', was published to critical acclaim. Before his death in 2008, Wharton penned 8 further novels, and 3 memoirs. The most recent memoir, 'Shrapnel', will be published for the first time in English in 2012.