End of Vandalism

Description

Welcome to Grouse County, somewhere in the Midwest, where the towns are small but the people, their dreams and their eccentricities come in all sizes.

When Sheriff Dan Norman arrests local troublemaker Tiny Darling for vandalising an anti-vandalism dance, he does not expect much in the way of fallout. But unseen wheels have been set in motion, and lives will be changed: Dan finds love, Tiny loses his wife Louise, and all three travel an epic journey of the heart.

The End of Vandalism is full of small miracles of observation, compassion and humour, held together by the ‘electric deadpan’ of Drury’s celebrated style.

‘A masterpiece … one of the past half-century’s finest novels.’ —Independent on Sunday
‘Astonishing … Drury’s descriptions are so tangible that it feels almost surprising that his characters don’t wander out of the pages and shake you by the hand … The best way to do justice to the book is to urge you to read it. When I first saw a copy I noted that Jonathan Franzen was quoted on the front. At the time, I thought Drury had done well to get such an endorsement. Now I’ve read The End of Vandalism, I realise it’s the other way round. To be associated with something this good would be an honour for any writer.’ —Independent
‘Takes you to wonderful places.’ —Guardian
‘A rare master at the art of seeing.’ —Yiyun Li