The Ledge

By Richard Curtis Hauschild

Roland Heinz has lived a life of anonymity in his hometown of Pipe, Wisconsin, but in the literary circles of the wider world he is a god. Twice winner of the Pulitzer Prize for literature, the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1608441334
• ISBN13: 9781608441334
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing
• Length: 212 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

a terrific first novel

Mr. Hauschild has written an indelible slice of life about rural Wisconsin. Roland Heinz, the story's central character, is a brilliant novelist in the twilight of his life trying to make one last connection. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read about relatable characters and familiar situations that is hard to put down. I didn't want this story to end and that is the mark of a great novel. I've heard that a sequel is in the works and I can't wait to spend more time with these characters.

The Ledge, A Solid Novel, Very Thoughtful Literature!

The Ledge tells a thought provoking story based in the heart of the Midwest, Wisconsin. However, a broader picture emerges through the thoughts and actions of the fully developed characters that captures the universal feelings of loneliness, despair, unexpected kindness and friendship. As the craft of writing is a common theme throughout the book, this is a must read for anyone interested in creative story development. And, the author certainly did his homework when developing a plot rich in background details. I found this to be one of the unique books where you can read it in one or two sittings, or savor it over a longer period of time. Either way, it is enjoyable.

Best Book of the Year!

If you are looking to enter an incredible world outside of your own especially if you don't live in the Midwest- this story The Ledge will take you there. Richard Hauschild has now become my favorite writer. This is one of those rare books that you don't want to put down for a day. It is easily addicting and without revealing any of the storyline I would ask that you read just one page and you will soon find out for yourselves. I am now sad because my adventure to the Midwest has ended. Mr. Hauschild please write another novel soon!

A Great Read

Richard Curtis Hauschild's first published novel scores on multiple levels. At one level, he delightfully captures the provincial quirkiness of northeastern Wisconsin: its language, mores, traditions, mindset, and, at times, its almost otherworldliness. On another level, the construction of the book works perfectly. Each chapter begins with a first person narration from the protagonist, Roland Heinz. The rest of each chapter then is told by a third person narrator who with great craft presents the reader with a cast of diversely interesting characters who experience a very short but intensely fascinating timeframe. The most interesting level is Hauschild's presentation of the creative process through many of the characters, especially Roland. Literary critic Northrup Frye explains in The Educated Imagination, "The world of literature is human in shape, a world where the sun rises in the east and sets in the west over the edge of a flat earth in three dimensions, where the primary realities are not atoms and electrons, but bodies, and the primary forces not energy or gravitation but love and death and passion and joy." This is the world that The Ledge unfolds.

Captured the essence of Wisconsin

Loved this book! I felt like I was at home looking in the windows of the people I know! I live and work in central Wisconsin and this book captured the culture and demeanor of the locals! Great job Mr. Hauschild! May you continue to write many more excellent novels!