The Art of Fielding
ABOUT
THE BOOK
A wonderful, warm novel from a major new American voice.
Henry Skrimshander, newly arrived at college, shy and out of his depth, has a talent for baseball that borders on genius. But sometimes it seems that his only friend is big Mike Schwartz – who champions the talents of others, at the expense of his own. And Owen, Henry’s clever, charismatic, gay roommate, who has a secret that could put his brilliant college career in jeopardy.
Pella, the 23-year-old daughter of the college president, has returned home after a failed marriage, determined to get her life in order. Only to find her father, a confirmed bachelor, has fallen desperately in love himself.
Then, one fateful day, Henry makes a mistake – misthrows a ball. And everything changes.
NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS
Wonderful characterization. Lyrical prose, precise pacing – this first novel about the “great American pastime” is truly a great American story.
This is an expansive, warm-hearted novel about ambition and its limits, about family and friendship and love, and about commitment to oneself and to others.
The Art of Fielding is an engaging, coming of age story of five people whose paths cross and are forever changed by a single, wild throw in a college baseball game.
A delightful serious work exploring baseball, identity, redemption and the journey for a fulfilled life. Told with a deft combination of humour and heart.
Debut novel. Love, life, baseball.
Good old-fashioned storytelling of a confluence of crises – baseball, love, loss, grief – set in the cell phone era, spiced with literary references and lovable characters.
Harbach expertly brings together a number of stories in this evocative novel about life in a small Wisconsin town.
A big novel that feels spare, with a graceful and intimate storyline.
Warm, oh so American novel, a literary achievement as to style. Wonderful debut. Hard to put down.