Dalva

By Jim Harrison,

Book cover of Dalva

Book description

From her home on the California coast, Dalva hears the broad silence of the Nebraska prairie where she was born and longs for the son she gave up for adoption years before. Beautiful, fearless, tormented, at forty-five she has lived a life of lovers and adventures. Now, Dalva begins a…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Dalva as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Jim Harrison's book is a masterpiece. I love how Harrison crafts Dalva's character; she's simultaneously tender and tough, with a complexity that resonated deeply with me. I found myself completely immersed in her world. The bold narrative structure, especially the contrasting voice of Michael, thrilled me as a reader. I love how Harrison fearlessly explores themes of loss, resilience, and self-discovery through Dalva's journey.

The vivid portrayal of the American West and its history added layers that I found fascinating. What I appreciate most is Harrison's prose—it's so powerful that I often find myself rereading passages just to savor the…

Dalva (and the sequel The Road Home) is a literary fiction classic.

A story of generations and places with memorable characters. Poetic prose describes the landscape. Philosophy abounds. Make no mistake, Dalva and The Road Home are set in the wide open west – the plains and Sandhills of Nebraska. Harrison’s rebellious characters become one with their environment. The storylines are never lost even though Harrison often muses about the past and mixes his thoughts into the present without skipping a beat. 

Want books like Dalva?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Dalva.

Browse books like Dalva

Book cover of The Old Man and the Sea
Book cover of Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West
Book cover of Unbroken: An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Nebraska, women, and presidential biography?

Nebraska 32 books
Women 649 books