Lanny by Max Porter

 

This novel is set in a small village in England.  Most of the inhabitants have lived there forever as have their families for generations but a new family moves there from London.  There are the parents and their son, Lanny.  Lanny is seen as a bit strange.  He roams the village, talking to everyone, and spends a lot of time exploring the forest that surrounds the village.

As in many rural communities, there are whispers of old nightmares and strange creatures.  In this village, it is Dead Papa Toothwart.  He is described as leaf-like but tall and strong and not friendly to humans.  No one claims to really believe in him, but they make sure not to spend too much time in the woods.  Except for Lanny.

One day Lanny goes missing.  HIs parents and the police mount a massive search but he can't be found.  Did Dead Papa get him?  Did Lanny run away although he's pretty young for that.  Was he kidnapped?  The search goes on and on but Lanny isn't found.

Max Porter is an English author whose work has won many awards.  This was his second novel and was longlisted for the Booker Prize.  I listened to this novel and can highly recommend it as an audiobook.  Much of the dialogue is a rush of voices as the villagers talk about Lanny and the search and what they think happened as well as talk about the old man artist Lanny was taking art lessons from.  The interplay and rush of voices added so much to the novel that I can't imagine it would be as effective in print.  This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction.