Dan Denton's 2nd novel
Step into a world of grit and survival in "The Dead & The Desperate" by Dan Denton. This poignant novel takes you on a raw and unflinching journey through the life of its main character, who becomes an accidental father while grappling with untreated mental illness, addiction, and the grueling reality of low-paying factory jobs in the heart of the Midwest. Denton's evocative prose paints a vivid picture of a life under the poverty line, where desperation and resilience coexist in a landscape of broken dreams and shattered hopes.
Amidst the chaos of a struggling existence, the protagonist navigates the shadowy corners of dive bars, forges unlikely friendships with a diverse cast of characters, and grapples with the weight of homelessness, divorce, and the specter of overdose. "The Dead & The Desperate" is a haunting portrayal of the challenges faced by those on the margins, offering a unique and unvarnished perspective on a world often overlooked.
This book has garnered praise from literary voices and readers alike, heralded as a return to authentic proletarian literature. Critics acknowledge Dan Danton's unapologetic honesty and courage in baring his soul through this harrowing yet beautiful narrative. The novel's exploration of life's struggles and the quest for love and connection resonates deeply, making it an unforgettable read that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
If you're seeking a powerful and moving tale that delves into the depths of human experience, "The Dead & The Desperate" is a must-read. It's a story that gives voice to the voiceless, offers solace to the desperate, and reminds us all of the strength to keep going, even when faced with the darkest of circumstances.
“The return of authentic proletarian literature.”—Richard Modiano Director Emeritus Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center, 2022 winner of the Joe Hill Prize for Labor Poetry
"With The Dead and the Desperate, Dan Denton bares his tortured soul for all to see and it's a harrowing yet beautiful sight to behold. A damn fine writer who should be applauded for his honesty and courage. Denton is not afraid to 'go there,' wherever 'there' really is. I'll be thinking about this book for the rest of my life."—Jason Webber, author of Purple Bananas: How Prince Saved Me
“Dan Denton is a writer with a tough exterior and a heart dripping gold and love. His poetry has moved me to tears, so I expected no less from The Dead and The Desperate. Damn, was I right! With prose that digs into your soul, Mr. Denton describes a life lived hard - from a failing, too-quickly-entered-into relationship, to a shitty factory job, to a dirty dive bar filled with other desperate souls, Denton’s protagonist lives his life day-to-day, devolving deeper and deeper into alcoholism and addiction as his relationship and life crumble to pieces. Denton’s writing is so beautiful as it describes the death and desperation surrounding him - one can’t help but keep reading, keep feeling. Finally, we’re granted a glimmer of hope as Dan completes his compassionate, brutally honest tale of life in a mid-America town. I didn’t want this novel to end, and can’t wait to see what his next work brings.”—Nadia Bruce-Rawlings, Author of Scars and Driving in the Rain
