The Wilderness is a novel by British author Samantha Harvey, published in 2009 by Jonathan Cape. It was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction and longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Overview The story follows an ageing architect, Jake, who is suffering from Alzheimer's. Jake attempts to deal with his condition as his life deteriorates.
Reception The Wilderness received mostly positive reviews from critics. In a review for The Observer, Olivia Laing said the book's "lyrical power" was matched by its "absolute emotional realism".
The Evening Standard said The Wilderness "touches a resounding chord of melancholy".
Awards In 2009, The Wilderness was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction, making Harvey the only British author to be shortlisted that year.
The novel was also longlisted for the 2009 Man Booker Prize.
YearAwardCategoryResult2009AMI Literature Award—Betty Trask Prize and AwardsBetty Trask PrizeGuardian First Book Award—Man Booker Prize—Orange Prize for Fiction—
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