The New Earth: A Novel

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Jess Row's masterful and deeply moving novel, *The New Earth*. This sweeping family saga delves into the complexities of identity, trauma, and reconciliation against the backdrop of global unrest and personal reckoning. A white Jewish family from New York's Upper West Side is irrevocably fractured by a revelation and a tragedy. Naomi's disclosure that her biological father was Black sends shockwaves through the family, just as daughter Bering's activism in the West Bank leads to her untimely death at the hands of an Israeli Army sniper. Years later, in 2018, Winter's wedding forces the estranged Wilcox family to confront their decades of self-imposed isolation and the lingering wounds of the past. *The New Earth* is more than just a family drama; it's a profound exploration of race, politics, and the enduring impact of historical injustices. Row expertly weaves together diverse perspectives and voices, creating a rich tapestry of human experience that spans continents and ideologies. Bering's story, inspired by real-world activism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, provides a searing look at the personal costs of political engagement. Winter's desire for family unity, despite the deep rifts that divide them, speaks to the universal longing for connection and healing. The novel explores the ripple effects of secrets and the struggle to find common ground in a world increasingly divided. Readers are drawn into the lives of each family member, grappling with their individual struggles and the collective burden of their shared history. Can the Wilcoxes overcome the trauma that haunts them? Can they find a path toward reconciliation, or are they destined to remain forever fractured? Jess Row's *The New Earth* is a compelling and timely novel that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the possibility of a more just and equitable future. It is a powerful reading experience that will resonate long after the final page. The New Earth has garnered critical acclaim, with praise highlighting Row's ambitious scope, intellectual rigor, and compassionate portrayal of flawed characters. It's a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literary fiction that grapples with the complexities of identity, family, and the world we inhabit. Jess Row is the author of several critically acclaimed works, including the short story collections *The Train to Lo Wu* and *Nobody Ever Gets It Right*, and the novel *Your Face in Mine*. He has received numerous awards and fellowships, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Whiting Award, cementing his reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary American literature. He is known for his insightful explorations of race, identity, and culture, and his ability to create complex and compelling characters. With *The New Earth*, Row delivers his most ambitious and accomplished work to date, solidifying his place as a major force in contemporary fiction.