Larry Watson
Larry Watson is an American author who has published more than ten novels and numerous short stories. His works have been highly acclaimed, exploring deep and complex themes of love, family relationships, the complexities of life and death, the bonds of friendship, and the power of memory.
Watson first gained recognition for his 1993 novel, Montana 1948. The book tells the story of a young boy’s coming-of-age in a small prairie town during a summer of conflict and tragedy. It was well-received by critics and readers alike, and won the Milkweed National Fiction Prize and received two awards from the Great Lakes Colleges Association. It has become a classic and was adapted for a play in 2002.
In 1997, Watson published his second novel, Laura. Set around a vacation cabin in Michigan, it narrates the story of an upcoming summer and the dark family secrets that are revealed when two estranged sisters reunite. It was a critical success, with the New York Times Book Review citing its "timeless characters and scenes" and Publishers Weekly praising its "lyrical beauty".
In White Crosses, published in 2001, Watson tells the story of a father and son struggling to understand each other’s choices in life, even as both of them face death. It was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in Fiction, the PEN West Literary Award, the 2006 Milkweed National Fiction Prize, and the USA Book News True West Award.
In 2003, Watson released Let Him Go, a novel which explores grief, marriage, and secrets from the past. It was well-received and won the 2004 Milkweed Prize for Fiction and was shortlisted for the Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Prize.
In 2008, Watson released Justice is served, a novel about a troubled youth confronted with an act of public violence. It was a critically acclaimed novel, and won the 2010 Spur Award for Best Novel of the West.
One of Watson's recent works, As Good As Gone, comes out in 2020. It tells the story of a father and son who become estranged after the death of the son's mother. When the son is hit by an unexpected tragedy, the father must come to his aid, but the story of what happened to their relationship long ago soon comes to light. It promises to be a powerful story of family, memory, and the power of forgiveness.
In addition to his novels, Watson has written numerous short stories and poetry. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, Ploughshares, Creative Nonfiction, Orion Magazine, and other publications. His stories and poems have earned numerous awards, including the 2008 Pushcart Prize for literature.
Larry Watson's works have earned him a long-lasting legacy as an author. His novels have received rave reviews and critical praise and have become beloved by readers. His works have a timeless quality with universal themes, and they have been embraced by a wide range of readers. Watson has created complex, layered characters and his stories explore the depths of emotion and humanity. He is an American literary master who has made a lasting impression on his generation of readers.
