A post-apocalyptic doomsday novel from';one of the truly great American writers of the 20th century' (The Guardian). In the dystopian future, the government has collapsed, cities are burning, and a roving gang called Mau Mau is marauding across America. A drifter named Walter Stone finds refuge at a lakeside camp, where the survivors of a plane crash have met up with other refugees, and are struggling with a constantly changing cast of leaders, as well as limited supplies. Across the lake stands the palatial Valhalla, a mansion well supplied with food and ammunition, where a wealthy junkman and his daughters live. The goal is to take control of Valhalla. The obstacles are certain death across the lake, rootless bands of killers threatening the camp, and a way of life that is quickly slipping away. ';A commanding writer of unusual power and delicacy.' The New Yorker ';A born storyteller.' St. Louis Post-Dispatch

A post-apocalyptic doomsday novel from';one of the truly great American writers of the 20th century' (The Guardian). In the dystopian future, the government has collapsed, cities are burning, and a roving gang called Mau Mau is marauding across America. A drifter named Walter Stone finds refuge at a lakeside camp, where the survivors of a plane crash have met up with other refugees, and are struggling with a constantly changing cast of leaders, as well as limited supplies. Across the lake stands the palatial Valhalla, a mansion well supplied with food and ammunition, where a wealthy junkman and his daughters live. The goal is to take control of Valhalla. The obstacles are certain death across the lake, rootless bands of killers threatening the camp, and a way of life that is quickly slipping away. ';A commanding writer of unusual power and delicacy.' The New Yorker ';A born storyteller.' St. Louis Post-Dispatch