The island of Sukkwan

A wild island in Southern Alaska, accessible only by boat or seaplane, teeming with virgin forests and rugged mountains. This is the inhospitable setting Jim chooses to strengthen the relationship with his son Roy, whom he barely knows. Twelve months ahead of them, in a cabin isolated from the rest of the world. But the harsh conditions of survival and the emotional tension they are subjected to quickly turn this journey into a nightmare, making the situation uncontrollable.

There are books that are almost physically painful, and the award-winning novel by David Vann, “The Island of Sukkwan” (Edições Ahab, 2011), is lavish in pain and distress. That said, it is also a superb work, a compulsive read, one of those novels that can be classified as unmissable or essential, without fear of overreacting in the heat of the moment, which often clouds our judgment when we are moved by a book. Whether read immediately, after a while, or later on, Vann's work is brilliant.

in Mil Folhas