In Noah Hawley's gripping novel 'Before the Fall', a private jet crashes into the ocean, leaving only two survivors: a painter and the son of a media mogul. As they grapple with their harrowing ordeal, the narrative intricately weaves together the lives of the victims and the mysterious circumstances of the crash. With a backdrop of fame, greed, and the relentless scrutiny of the media, the story delves into secrets that could change everything. Who are they, and what led to this tragic event? As the survivors confront their pasts, the truth unfurls in unexpected and shocking ways.
By Noah Hawley
Published: 2017
"In the aftermath of tragedy, we discover not just who we are, but who we can become."
Two plane crash survivors scramble to salvage truth from the wreckage in this Edgar Award-winning best novel, from the creator of the critically acclaimed show Fargo: "One of The Year's Best Suspense Novels" (New York Times). On a foggy summer night, eleven people -- ten privileged, one down-on-his-luck painter -- depart Martha's Vineyard on a private jet headed for New York. Sixteen minutes later, the unthinkable happens: the plane plunges into the ocean. The only survivors are the painter Scott Burroughs and a four-year-old boy, who is now the last remaining member of an immensely wealthy and powerful media mogul's family. Was it by chance that so many influential people perished? Or was something more sinister at work? A storm of media attention brings Scott fame that quickly morphs into notoriety and accusations, and he scrambles to learn truth about the crash. Amid trauma and chaos, the fragile relationship between Scott and the young boy grows and glows at the heart of this stunning novel, raising questions of fate, morality, and the inextricable ties that bind us together. Kristin Hannah raves, "Noah Hawley really knows how to keep a reader turning the pages... a complex, compulsively readable thrill ride of a novel."
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“In the aftermath of tragedy, we discover not just who we are, but who we can become.”
Before the Fall
By Noah Hawley
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Noah Hawley is an accomplished American author, screenwriter, and producer known for his captivating storytelling and intricate character development. He gained widespread recognition for his work on the critically acclaimed television series "Fargo," which earned him several Emmy Awards. In addition to television, Hawley has penned several bestselling novels, including "Before the Fall" and "The Good Father," which showcase his ability to blend suspense with profound psychological insight. His writing often explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Hawley continues to push the boundaries of narrative form in both literature and television.
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Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, 'The Hellfire Club' intertwines the lives of a young congressman and a clandestine group of powerful elites. As dark secrets and political intrigue unfold, the protagonist unravels a conspiracy that threatens to engulf him. With each revelation, the stakes rise, leading to questions about loyalty, morality, and the true cost of ambition. Blending fact and fiction, the narrative immerses readers in a world where danger lurks behind the façade of power. Will he emerge unscathed, or will the shadows of the Hellfire Club consume him?
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