American Rust A Novel. Winner of the Art Seidenbaum Award 2010, Economist Book of the Year, Idaho Statesman's Best Books 2009, Kansas City Star Top 100 Book 2009, New York Times Notable Book of the Year 2009, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Best Books 2009

Praise for American Rust


A novel as splendidly crafted and original as any written in recent decades, American Rust is both darkly disturbing and richly compelling. Philipp Meyer s first novel signals the arrival of a new voice in American letters. Patricia Cornwell, author of Scarpetta

With its strong narrative engine and understated social insight, American Rust is reminiscent of the best of Robert Stone and Russell Banks. Author Philipp Meyer locates the heart of his working class characters without false sentiment or condescension, and their world is artfully described. An extraordinary, compelling novel from a major talent. George Pelecanos, author of The Turnaround

This is strong, clean stuff. Philipp Meyer deserves to be taken seriously. Pete Dexter, author of Paper Trails

Philipp Meyer's American Rust is written with considerable dramatic intensity and pace. It manages an emotional accuracy, a deep and detailed conviction in its depiction of character. It also captures a sense of a menacing society, a wider world in the throes of decay and self-destruction. Colm Tóibín, author of The Master

Meyer has a thrilling eye for failed dreams and writes uncommonly tense scenes of violence . . . Fans of Cormac McCarthy or Dennis Lehane will find in Meyer an author worth watching. Publishers Weekly