Modern The Horse

WINNER OF THE JOYCE CAROL OATES PRIZE ‘Extraordinary.’ ANN PATCHETT ‘Tremendously compelling.’ GUARDIAN ‘Bruised and beautiful.’ BEN MYERS ‘Transcendent.’ LA TIMES Willy Vlautin’s most personal novel yet – a poetic and deeply moving story about what it really takes to be a musician. Al Ward, an ageing musician, is living on old mining land in Nevada. One morning, a horse arrives outside his home, unable to feed itself or stay safe from coyotes. Six thousand feet up, thirty miles from the nearest town, and broken by alcoholism and anxiety, Al must decide what to do. A gorgeous journey of a novel, and an unforgettable character study of a lifelong songwriter, The Horse masterfully explores ideas of loneliness, creativity and resilience. ‘Another classic from one of America’s greatest storytellers.’ JONATHAN EVISON ‘A terrific parable of art and aging.’ JESS WALTER

Willy Vlautin has published seven previous novels, most recently The Horse, which was just named as a finalist for the 2025 Joyce Carol Oates Award. The Motel Life and Lean on Pete were both turned into acclaimed feature films, in 2012 and 2017, the latter of which was directed by Andrew Haigh. Netflix’s adaptation of The Night Always Comes is set for release in Autumn 2025 starring Vanessa Kirby. Vlautin lives outside of Portland, Oregon and is the founding member of the bands Richmond Fontaine and The Delines.