The Other

David Guterson

Jun 2008 · Sold by Vintage

About this ebook

From the award-winning, bestselling author of Snow Falling on Cedars comes a coming-of-age novel about two different visions of what it means to live a good life and the compromises that come with the search for fulfillment.  • “Gorgeous, haunting…. A deeply considered tragedy of social alienation and hubris.” —The Washington Post Book World

John William Barry and Neil Countryman shared a love of the outdoors, trekking often into Washington's remote backcountry where they had to rely on their wits—and each other—to survive. Soon after graduating from college, Neil sets out on a path that will lead him toward a life as a devoted schoolteacher and family man. But John William makes a radically different choice, dropping out of college and moving deep into the woods. When he enlists Neil to help him disappear completely, Neil finds himself drawn into a web of agonizing responsibility, deceit, and tragedy—one that will finally break open with a wholly unexpected, life-altering revelation.

Ratings and reviews

Full disclosure: Had to read it for a class on literature in the PNW. Held my attention and interest. Currently attending UW so all the references to the area made the story feel that much more alive and true, even though it is fiction. John William is a fascinating character.

About the author

DAVID GUTERSON is the author of five novels: Snow Falling on Cedars, which won the PEN/Faulkner and the American Booksellers Association Book of the Year Award; East of the Mountains; Our Lady of the Forest, a New York TimesNotable Book and a Los Angeles Times and Seattle Post- Intelligencer Best Book of the Year; The Other; and Ed King. He is also the author of a previous story collection,The Country Ahead of Us, the Country Behind; a poetry collection, Songs for a Summons; and two works of nonfiction, Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense and Descent: A Memoir of Madness. The recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, he lives in Washington State.