Staggerford: A Novel - Softcover

Hassler, Jon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0345333756 ISBN 13: 9780345333759

Publisher: Ballantine Books, 1986

Synopsis

"A writer good enough to restore your faith in fiction."
THE NEW YORK TIMES
It is only a week in the life of a 35-year old bachelor school teacher in a small Minnesota town. But it is an extraodinary week, filled with the poetry of living, the sweetness of expectation, and the glory of surprise that can change a life forever....
"Absolutely smashing....An altogether successful work, witty, intelligent, compassionate."
THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER

About this title

From the Publisher

Finding out that Ballantine published this book was a very nice surprise for me. I first read Jon Hassler's Staggerford when I was a sophomore or a junior in high school. I'm not totally sure which. Talking about this book with a friend was one of the first conversations I ever had when I thought, "Wow, she gets it too!" I've read just about all of his novels since. No one captures the small town subtleties - the quirks and the quiet dignity - with as much warmth as Jon Hassler. My friend eventually moved to Minneapolis and has seen the author about a dozen times. I don't think she moved to Minnesota just to stalk Mr. Hassler, but it is a nice plus for her. Working in the office, I've read his books before they've been published and seen the comments from his editor and his letters as the manuscript become a final novel. I've never actually spoken to him though which, in a way, I like. You see, I love all of his books but when I think of Jon Hassler, I picture the warm, quiet, intelligent gentleman and slightly awkward and anxious observer- that is Miles Pruitt, the hero of Staggerford. I'm sure it's not accurate - what author is just like his protagonist? - but I like thinking of him just like that.
-S. Gutierrez, Assistant editor

About the Author

Jon Hassler was born in Minneapolis in 1933. He received degrees from St. John’s University in Minnesota, where he was an English teacher and writer-in-residence, and from the University of North Dakota. The author of many widely acclaimed novels—Staggerford, Simon’s Night, The Love Hunter, A Green Journey, Grand Opening, North of Hope, Dear James, Rookery Blues, Dean’s List, The Staggerford Flood, The Staggerford Murders, and The New Woman—Mr. Hassler passed away in March 2008.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0345333756
• ISBN 13: 9780345333759
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 304