David Saylor

David Saylor is a highly acclaimed novelist and short story author who has been widely recognized for his thought-provoking works. He has published four novels, three collections of short stories, and one novella. His books have been widely praised by literary critics and readers alike, often touching on themes of death, love, and hardship.

Saylor was born and raised in the small town of Intercourse, Pennsylvania. He grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Amish countryside and the harshness of rural poverty. As a young man, Saylor pursued a degree in philosophy with the hopes of one day teaching the subject. After completing his studies, he returned to Intercourse and taught philosophy at a local college.

During this time, Saylor discovered his passion for writing. He soon began to craft stories focused on everyday life and the hardships faced by those living in rural America. His stories were featured in publications such as The New Yorker and Esquire, earning him the praise of many literary critics.

In 2004, Saylor published his first novel, The Book of Deacon. The book was an instant success and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2005. The novel follows the life of the main character, Deacon, as he is faced with the decision of leaving his Amish community to begin a new life. Through gripping prose and quiet reflection, the novel examines what it takes to venture out into the unknown.

Saylor has since released three novels: Thicker Than Blood (2009), Lost in Shadowland (2011), and The Last Days of the Old World (2017). Thicker Than Blood is a beautiful and heartbreaking exploration of love, loyalty and the sacrifices one must make in order to survive. Lost in Shadowland follows the story of two sisters and their journey to a mysterious place in search of answers. The Last Days of the Old World is a dystopian tale of a world in chaos and the people who come together to fight against it.

Alongside his novels, Saylor has published three collections of short stories: This Land Was Our Land (2009), The Lucky Ones (2014), and Next to Nothing (2017). These stories examine the lives of people living in rural Pennsylvania and explore the harsh realities of living in poverty.

Saylor’s work has earned him much critical acclaim, including multiple Hugo Award nominations and a PEN American Gothic Award. He is also a three-time winner of the Locus Award for Best Novelette.

A deeply thoughtful and moving writer, Saylor’s works confront the reader with questions about life, death, and the power of storytelling. For readers searching for a novel that is both heartbreaking and intensely reflective, Saylor’s works are sure to provide solace and contemplation.