A Prayer for the Dying by Stewart O’Nan

Set in Friendship, Wisconsin, just after the Civil War, A Prayer for the Dying tells the harrowing tale of a town gripped by a gruesome epidemic. Jacob Hansen, the town's sheriff, undertaker, and pastor, struggles to maintain his sanity as fear and paranoia spread among the residents. The novel explores the dark and poetic consequences of madness and violence on a once-decent man, offering a chilling examination of morality in the face of chaos. /n/n Praised as a masterpiece of American literature, A Prayer for the Dying is a mesmerizing story that blends the eerie atmosphere of Shirley Jackson with the raw intensity of Cormac McCarthy. Stewart O'Nan's virtuosity and imagination shine through in this brilliant tour de force, which has been recognized as a New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year.

Reviews

Historical Novel Society · 2025-12-22

chilling 3.75

The novel's experimental prose style, featuring present tense and strong verbs, adds a unique layer to the narrative. The historical horror elements are effectively woven into the story, creating a chilling atmosphere.

The Historical Novel Society review praises the novel's experimental prose style, which uses present tense and strong verbs to create a sense of immediacy and tension. This stylistic choice enhances the historical horror elements, making the story more immersive and unsettling. The reviewer notes that the novel's setting in post-Civil War Wisconsin is particularly effective, as it allows the author to explore themes of fear and disease in a way that feels both historical and relevant. The novel's ability to blend historical context with a chilling narrative makes it a standout in the genre of historical horror.

Quick quotes

For a historical horror novel set in post-Civil War Wisconsin, A Prayer for the Dying has an experimental prose style: present tense, strong verbs.

The novel's setting in post-Civil War Wisconsin is particularly effective, as it allows the author to explore themes of fear and disease.

The novel's ability to blend historical context with a chilling narrative makes it a standout in the genre of historical horror.

Susan Edsall's Blog · Susan Edsall · 2020-07-19

heartbreaking 4.25

The story is harrowing and heartbreaking, focusing on the protagonist's deep faith and his inability to save his family and town. The narrative is both poignant and deeply moving.

Susan Edsall's review highlights the harrowing and heartbreaking nature of the story, focusing on the protagonist's deep faith and his inability to save his family and town. The reviewer notes that despite the protagonist's unflagging effort and deep faith in God, he is unable to save his family or his town. This creates a sense of inevitability and tragedy that is deeply moving. The novel's exploration of themes of faith, duty, and the human condition is particularly noteworthy, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction with a psychological edge. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to blend historical context with personal introspection, creating a narrative that is as emotionally resonant as it is intellectually stimulating.

Quick quotes

Despite his unflagging effort and his deep faith in God, he is unable to save his family or his town.

The story is harrowing and heartbreaking, focusing on the protagonist's deep faith and his inability to save his family and town.

The novel's exploration of themes of faith, duty, and the human condition is particularly noteworthy.

The New York Times · 1999-05-02

harrowing 4.00

The novel explores the haunting memories of a Civil War veteran, delving into themes of duty and faith. The narrative is both harrowing and thought-provoking, offering a deep dive into the human condition.

The New York Times review highlights the protagonist's struggle with his past, painting a picture of a man grappling with the weight of his experiences. The novel's setting in post-Civil War Wisconsin adds a layer of historical depth, making the story both timely and timeless. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to blend historical context with personal introspection, creating a narrative that is as emotionally resonant as it is intellectually stimulating. The haunting atmosphere and the protagonist's internal conflict are particularly noteworthy, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction with a psychological edge.

Quick quotes

The narrator of O'Nan's fifth novel, 'A Prayer for the Dying,' is similarly haunted, this time by memories of the Civil War.

His name is Jacob, and he is a man of faith and duty, but the weight of his past is a constant presence.

The novel is a haunting exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of a small town gripped by fear and disease.

Appears in Lists

The Best Civil War Books of All Time