Thomas Pynchon returns with shadow ticket after 12 years
- Thomas Pynchon is releasing his first new novel in 12 years, titled Shadow Ticket, on October 7, 2023.
- The novel is set in Milwaukee in 1932 and follows a private eye in a noir detective story.
- Anticipation is high for Pynchon's return to fiction after a lengthy hiatus.
In the United States, renowned author Thomas Pynchon is set to release his first novel in 12 years titled Shadow Ticket on October 7, 2023. The novelist, who is nearly 88 years old, has become famous not only for his literary works but also for his reclusive nature, making public appearances extremely rare. Pynchon’s previous novel was Bleeding Edge, released in 2013, which addressed contemporary social issues, including the events surrounding 9/11. Shadow Ticket arrives at a time marked by anticipation for Pynchon’s return to the literary scene and the world of contemporary fiction. The new work is characterized as a noir detective story, similar to his recent novels. The narrative is set in 1932 Milwaukee against the backdrop of the Great Depression, capturing the shifting dynamics in private investigation. It follows the protagonist, Hicks McTaggart, who is a former strikebreaker turned private detective. As he embarks on what seems like a routine assignment to locate a runaway heiress from a Wisconsin cheese fortune, the investigation quickly spirals into complex escapades. Pynchon’s intricate storytelling is expected to intertwine themes of intrigue, historical context, and the psychological landscape of its characters. McTaggart’s travels will take him from a transoceanic liner to Hungary, where he will confront unexpected encounters with Nazis, Soviet agents, and supernatural elements, further complicating his pursuit. The novel also immerses readers into a vivid description of the era, including the transitional period as Prohibition was lifting, a historical setting that serves as a backdrop for McTaggart's investigation. Shadow Ticket promises to showcase Pynchon’s signature blend of complex characters, engaging plots, and rich historical detail. With his previous works earning literary acclaim, this much-anticipated release marks not only Pynchon's return to publishing but also a potential exploration of the intersections of personal and historical narratives in challenging times, including the era of the Big Band music.