The Overstory by Richard Powers won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction on Monday. As its name suggests, it is an “epic” tale of the rich life and tragic death of trees. According to The Washington Post, the novel’s win “marks a new high point in the growing prominence of environmental novels.” Powers said upon learning that he had won the coveted prize, “For me, this is a marvelous late-career recognition….But perhaps for environmental fiction, there’s a little bit more to it. This is one of the chief literary recognitions that this country gives out, and it’s been given to a book that wants above all else to take nonhumans seriously and to take our relationship with those outside of the human world seriously. And that’s encouraging.” We agree and can’t wait to read it. Congratulations, Mr. Powers!
April 17, 2019 » novel, Pulitizer Prize, trees
