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From Before Memory
Not yet published
Expected 2 Feb 27A discontented great-grandmother unleashes chaos across post-apocalyptic California in this “furiously funny” (Colum McCann) and moving adventure
This scorching take on power in America is Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery meets Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Lobster: imagine a Mad Max caravan led by a bloodthirsty Betty White!
America in the near future is the same, but worse. There’s no national or state government anymore. Only local authorities endure, and they barely function. The real glue holding what’s left of society together is death. In this America, everyone who dies is celebrated in a lengthy, undeviating funeral rite led by the oldest member of their community.
Maxine is one such elder—99 years old and living in Lakeport, California. Dogged by chronic pain and burdened by grief, one day her discontent pushes her to change the words of the funeral rite and, contrary to her expectations, the entire community follows her lead. Maxine’s rebellion begins to snowball, unleashing a spate of violence with consequences for the whole town, and eventually the country. Initially horrified, she’s soon intoxicated by her new powers, and finds herself leading funeral rites that resemble political rallies or orgies of violence more than solemn ceremonies. When she launches a pilgrimage across the California desert, it triggers a confrontation with the remaining institutional forces of the country—a confrontation she may not survive.
A furiously funny take on contemporary America, as well as a moving meditation on grief and how it binds us together, this utterly propulsive novel marks an exciting new departure from the author of international bestseller Legend of a Suicide.
This scorching take on power in America is Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery meets Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Lobster: imagine a Mad Max caravan led by a bloodthirsty Betty White!
America in the near future is the same, but worse. There’s no national or state government anymore. Only local authorities endure, and they barely function. The real glue holding what’s left of society together is death. In this America, everyone who dies is celebrated in a lengthy, undeviating funeral rite led by the oldest member of their community.
Maxine is one such elder—99 years old and living in Lakeport, California. Dogged by chronic pain and burdened by grief, one day her discontent pushes her to change the words of the funeral rite and, contrary to her expectations, the entire community follows her lead. Maxine’s rebellion begins to snowball, unleashing a spate of violence with consequences for the whole town, and eventually the country. Initially horrified, she’s soon intoxicated by her new powers, and finds herself leading funeral rites that resemble political rallies or orgies of violence more than solemn ceremonies. When she launches a pilgrimage across the California desert, it triggers a confrontation with the remaining institutional forces of the country—a confrontation she may not survive.
A furiously funny take on contemporary America, as well as a moving meditation on grief and how it binds us together, this utterly propulsive novel marks an exciting new departure from the author of international bestseller Legend of a Suicide.
- GenresDystopia
224 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 2, 2027
About the author
David Vann
29 books667 followersPublished in 19 languages, David Vann’s internationally-bestselling books have won 15 prizes, including best foreign novel in France and Spain and, most recently, the $50,000 St. Francis College Literary Prize 2013, and appeared on 70 Best Books of the Year lists in a dozen countries. He has written for the Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, Outside, Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, The Sunday Times, The Observer, The Guardian, The Sunday Telegraph, The Financial Times, Elle UK, Esquire UK, Esquire Russia, National Geographic Adventure, Writer’s Digest, McSweeney’s, and other magazines and newspapers. A former Guggenheim fellow, National Endowment for the Arts fellow, Wallace Stegner fellow, and John L’Heureux fellow, he is currently a Professor at the University of Warwick in England and Honorary Professor at the University of Franche-Comté in France.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy provided by NetGalley— I had an absolute ball reading this! The level of absurdity was unexpected and I found myself gasping and laughing out loud more than I have with any book in recent memory. It’s a wild ride that I could not put down. The mix of dark comedy, satire, revenge, and human emotion was folded like a perfect croissant — the LAYERS! Delicious. Cover art is also 10/10.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
David Vann's Legend of a Suicide from 2008 is one of my favourite works from that decade - one I still recommend to many. The appearance of a new novel from him is always a joy to me - so I was very happy to read From Before Memory - especially as his last two novels have only been published in French. Vann is an American novelist, and this new work sees him return to English, and to America, albeit one we don't immediately know.
Maxine is 99 years old and living in Lakeport, California - sometime in the near future, where America has undergone some changes. It reads as dystopian fiction - but there are parallels with modern America - and this pushes From Before Memory into a cool, funny and occasionally bleak satire on the America we do know. When Maxine changes the words to a funeral rite everyone knows, and follows as some sort of mantra, it immediately changes her world - but also sends her on a quest across the California desert - and puts her on a collision course with those that rule - and violence follows in its wake.
If you have read Legend of a Suicide (and if you haven't, please do), you will know how Vann can use a moment of violence to turn a work on its head and force you to reframe all that has come before. He achieves the same impact here - and as this novel escalated towards its denouement I found myself holding my breath, propelled forward by the story, and gasping at the end. Maxine is a great character - a true force of nature. Vann's writing is punchy, it pulls you forward, and has a real sense of energy to it.
I really loved reading From Before Memory. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Maxine is 99 years old and living in Lakeport, California - sometime in the near future, where America has undergone some changes. It reads as dystopian fiction - but there are parallels with modern America - and this pushes From Before Memory into a cool, funny and occasionally bleak satire on the America we do know. When Maxine changes the words to a funeral rite everyone knows, and follows as some sort of mantra, it immediately changes her world - but also sends her on a quest across the California desert - and puts her on a collision course with those that rule - and violence follows in its wake.
If you have read Legend of a Suicide (and if you haven't, please do), you will know how Vann can use a moment of violence to turn a work on its head and force you to reframe all that has come before. He achieves the same impact here - and as this novel escalated towards its denouement I found myself holding my breath, propelled forward by the story, and gasping at the end. Maxine is a great character - a true force of nature. Vann's writing is punchy, it pulls you forward, and has a real sense of energy to it.
I really loved reading From Before Memory. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An intriguing take on the dystopian novel, and while I enjoyed the dark satire, the book felt repetitive and didn't say anything novel. Even within its own story it retreads the same path over and over. It's an entertaining quick read, but not a must read by any means.
America has become hyper-local, no state or national governments, only local towns and villages have remaining governments, and many of the communities are truly led by their elders, who preside over the very lengthy 'traditional' funeral rites, and people are dying every day. Maxine, at 99 years old, is her community of Lakeport California's elder. Her discontent with her grief, physical pain, and the world around her leads her to one day change the words of the funeral rites, and the whole community follows her lead. As Maxine begins to push boundaries to learn where the edges of her influence and power lay, her actions quickly lead to violent outcomes, and she becomes a political figure. As it all spirals out of control Maxine launch's a pilgrimage across California, unsure if she will survive, or if she even wants to any longer.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
America has become hyper-local, no state or national governments, only local towns and villages have remaining governments, and many of the communities are truly led by their elders, who preside over the very lengthy 'traditional' funeral rites, and people are dying every day. Maxine, at 99 years old, is her community of Lakeport California's elder. Her discontent with her grief, physical pain, and the world around her leads her to one day change the words of the funeral rites, and the whole community follows her lead. As Maxine begins to push boundaries to learn where the edges of her influence and power lay, her actions quickly lead to violent outcomes, and she becomes a political figure. As it all spirals out of control Maxine launch's a pilgrimage across California, unsure if she will survive, or if she even wants to any longer.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me; between the beheadings and the oxhides (not a spoiler, these begin at the start of the book), it was too depressing and repetitive. The satire and dark comedy that others appreciated must have gone over my head. I read the first 20% or so and skimmed the rest.
Here is one line that did resonate with me (not funny, but definitely true of America and gun laws): "She would like to outlaw guns, but she understands that everything, absolutely everything in this world, will go before the guns go.”
Nevertheless, I appreciated the opportunity to read the eARC.
Here is one line that did resonate with me (not funny, but definitely true of America and gun laws): "She would like to outlaw guns, but she understands that everything, absolutely everything in this world, will go before the guns go.”
Nevertheless, I appreciated the opportunity to read the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 rounded up because it really sticks the landing
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An extremely compelling meditation on death that deftly blends humor and horror. In a small town called Lakeport, there is a trio of elderly women led by Maxine who run a strange cult that insists on beheading all their dead and tying them up in oxhide sacks. Those sacks are then strung up around town and apparently those bags occasionally…drip. They consider traditional burial as well as Christianity to be heresy. The local minister is naturally NOT a fan of this. From there, many freaky incidents occur under Maxine’s unconventional leadership.
At times, it felt post-apocalyptic, but then a character would take out their phone and use a social media app called Fuddle. So, it’s more like a very strange alternate present with apocalyptic elements. I really dug Vann’s writing style here!
There was an odd issue with my particular edition of the book where every paragraph or so, there’d be some missing letters. I’m pretty positive this won’t be in the final version, so I won’t dock any points because I otherwise had a great time reading this.
At times, it felt post-apocalyptic, but then a character would take out their phone and use a social media app called Fuddle. So, it’s more like a very strange alternate present with apocalyptic elements. I really dug Vann’s writing style here!
There was an odd issue with my particular edition of the book where every paragraph or so, there’d be some missing letters. I’m pretty positive this won’t be in the final version, so I won’t dock any points because I otherwise had a great time reading this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
david vann's from before memory is almost unlike anything i've ever read before. at points, it brought to mind the dystopic worlds of atwood and harpman, but its so wired into the pulse of 2026 america that you can't help but see it as its own thing. as someone interested in the way elderly women are so often cast as villains in popular media, i was curious to see how vann would negotiate maxine's character. she's quite a tragic figure who traps herself in a violent, sycophantic fever-dream of her own creation. her motivations are complex and sometimes muddled but perhaps that's the reality of american politicians these days.
unfortunately, the book quickly became repetitive, and i don't just mean with all the endless head-tossing and hide-hanging. maxine ruminates on the same thoughts over and over, particularly her shock at how her life has exploded at ninety-nine years old. this meant the curiosity i felt at the start largely fizzled out by the end. that said, vann's writing is deft and smart and definitely got me thinking.
unfortunately, the book quickly became repetitive, and i don't just mean with all the endless head-tossing and hide-hanging. maxine ruminates on the same thoughts over and over, particularly her shock at how her life has exploded at ninety-nine years old. this meant the curiosity i felt at the start largely fizzled out by the end. that said, vann's writing is deft and smart and definitely got me thinking.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It is definitely an interesting and original plot, I've never read anything like it before. And well written.
I can see how Maxine let everything get out of hand. Even she thought it went too far, longing to stand at the kitchen sink again. But it's one of those things that you don't know how to stop and so just keep going. That was well written, the overwhelmed feeling. But the story itself was repetitive. Over and over the same thing again and again. Maybe it was deliberate, to add to the overstimulated feel of the book but if it was, it wasn't successful, it just felt draggy.
It does suck the reader in, wanting to see what chaos will come next, knowing the no one is safe from Maxine. The unpredictability was nice, and I always like a book that hints at the backstory but doesn't over explain it. There were hints about Maxine's marriage but nothing too too detailed.
Overall, enjoyable.
I can see how Maxine let everything get out of hand. Even she thought it went too far, longing to stand at the kitchen sink again. But it's one of those things that you don't know how to stop and so just keep going. That was well written, the overwhelmed feeling. But the story itself was repetitive. Over and over the same thing again and again. Maybe it was deliberate, to add to the overstimulated feel of the book but if it was, it wasn't successful, it just felt draggy.
It does suck the reader in, wanting to see what chaos will come next, knowing the no one is safe from Maxine. The unpredictability was nice, and I always like a book that hints at the backstory but doesn't over explain it. There were hints about Maxine's marriage but nothing too too detailed.
Overall, enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2026
From Before Memory by David Vann
3☆
Thank you to NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and David Vann for an eARC in exchange for review!
I found From Before Memory fascinating in concept from the beginning, but it got dark and repetitive fast. I enjoyed what it had to say about absolute power and about how quickly things can spiral out of control, but it also felt quite repetitive for a novel so short. Maxine, our protagonist, spends a lot of the novel worrying about the same few things, going over them in her thoughts over and over. And while this does help illustrate her character progression, I wish there had been a little less rumination.
Overall, I did enjoy this crazy ride, especially the way it all devolves at the very end. Thanks again to Pushkin for the eARC!
3☆
Thank you to NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and David Vann for an eARC in exchange for review!
I found From Before Memory fascinating in concept from the beginning, but it got dark and repetitive fast. I enjoyed what it had to say about absolute power and about how quickly things can spiral out of control, but it also felt quite repetitive for a novel so short. Maxine, our protagonist, spends a lot of the novel worrying about the same few things, going over them in her thoughts over and over. And while this does help illustrate her character progression, I wish there had been a little less rumination.
Overall, I did enjoy this crazy ride, especially the way it all devolves at the very end. Thanks again to Pushkin for the eARC!
August 29, 2026
Received as a NetGalley arc
3.5 stars
From Before Memory is a satire which follows the acceleration of an American town’s derangement. Although we know what happens when tradition is stolen and warped to provide a piecemeal means of control over a population bent on idiocy and begging for an excuse to abandon reason for violence, there are infinite means to reach this point. From Before Memory provides a sharp and clever path down the steep descent of politics and control.
3.5 stars
From Before Memory is a satire which follows the acceleration of an American town’s derangement. Although we know what happens when tradition is stolen and warped to provide a piecemeal means of control over a population bent on idiocy and begging for an excuse to abandon reason for violence, there are infinite means to reach this point. From Before Memory provides a sharp and clever path down the steep descent of politics and control.
Read
August 25, 2026A quick, fun satire of religion, politics, and the typically American mix of the two.
September 18, 2026
literally don’t waste your time
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews