Philipp Meyer sprang to prominence with his debut novel, American Rust, about disaffected kids in the modern US rust belt. His second novel takes a sweeping look at the history of the US through the crucible of his native Texas. From 19th century battles with Comanche tribesmen, via the slaughter of Mexicans and the discovery of oil, he explains why his tale of human conquest is also a story of environmental abuse. Described by John Burnside as "a work of extraordinary narrative power and contrasts", The Son tracks the twisted soul of a nation through the fortunes a single family.
Reading list:
The Son, by Philipp Meyer (Simon & Schuster)
