Critical Praise
“Fans of LOVING FRANK will adore this authentic, richly detailed, and utterly captivating new novel from Nancy Horan. UNDER THE WIDE AND STARRY SKY is a globe-spanning literary wonder --- the perfect book for those who read fiction in search of the truth.”
– Jamie Ford, author of SONGS OF WILLOW FROST
“Horan’s spectacular second novel has been worth the wait. Brimming with the same artistic verve that drives her complicated protagonists, it follows the loving, tumultuous partnership of Scottish author Robert Louis Stevensonand his Indiana-born wife, Fanny Osbourne….Equally adventurous and colorful, Louis and Fanny could each command the story singlehandedly. Together, they are riveting and insightfully envisioned, including through moving depiction of how their relationship transforms over time….An exhilarating epic about a free-spirited couple who traveled the world yet found home only in one another.”
– Booklist, starred review
“What an extraordinary story! Throughout the novel, I felt I was right there with Fanny and Louis, sharing their hopes and hardships as they traveled the world. The portrayal of their lives on Samoa was especially gripping. Nancy Horan has transformed everything I thought I knew about Robert Louis Stevenson, and in Fanny --- his passionate, independent American wife --- she has created a woman whose struggles continue to haunt me.”
– Lauren Belfer, author of A FIERCE RADIANCE and CITY OF LIGHT
“Maybe it goes without saying that it’s a hard thing to chase a book as successful as LOVING FRANK with a second novel. For one thing, you worry it was an accident the first time around. The good news is that it wasn’t (an accident) --- and Nancy Horan is back with another beautifully crafted story, and no signs of a sophomore slump.”
– Pete Dexter, author of PARIS TROUT, winner of the National Book Award
“Horan's second novel again mines the true story of a famous man and equally remarkable, woman of history to impressive effect....This beautifully written novel, neatly balanced between its two protagonists, makes them come alive with grace, humor, and understanding. Horan's empathy for both Louis and Fanny allows her to capture their life together with all the complexity and nuance of a real-life relationship.”
– Publishers Weekly
“Fanny and Louis are wild-hearted seekers, and Nancy Horan traces their incredible journey fearlessly, plunging us through decades, far-flung continents and chilling brushes with death. Ambitious and often breathtaking, this sweeping story spills over with spirited, uncompromising life.”
– Paula McLain
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