Rave Reviews for John Pipkin's Debut Novel
“Gripping and profound.” “Witty, bawdy, philosophical, touching, and humorous.” “Audacious, wondrous.” And those are just a sampling of the adjectives being used to describe Woodsburner, the debut novel of Washington and Lee alumnus John Pipkin of the Class of 1989. Scheduled to be released on April 28, Woodsburner covers a single day in the life of Henry David Thoreau. According to the Washington Post’s review, “he ingenious nature of this structure grows clearer with each haunting chapter.” The Kirkus Review even uses the “p” word, writing: “A superb historical fiction as well as a complex and provocative novel of ideas—Pulitzer Prize material.” There’s good news for those of you who will be returning to Lexington for the 2009 Alumni Weekend — John will be reading from and signing Woodsburner on Saturday, May 2, from noon to 2 p.m. in Elrod Commons. It’s a sneak preview in some ways since it will be John’s first event since the book is officially available and precedes the official book launch back in his home town of Austin on May 7. You can read some additional reviews of the novel here.
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