Set This House on Fire

“One of the finest novels of our times,” a New York Times bestseller about a murder in Italy from the National Book Award–winning author of Sophie's Choice (San Francisco Chronicle).

Shortly after World War II, in the village of Sambuco, Italy, two American men—Peter Leverett and Cass Kinsolving—crossed paths with Mason Flagg. They both had their own reactions to the charismatic movie mogul’s son. For the impressionable Peter, it was something close to awe. For the alcoholic Cass, it was unsettled rage. Then, after the rape and murder of a peasant girl, Mason’s body was found at the base of a cliff—an apparent suicide. He’d been distraught, the authorities said, over committing the heinous crime. Peter and Cass went their separate ways, and never spoke of it again.

Now, years later, Peter is still haunted by what he knows—and by what he doesn’t. He’s sought out Cass in Charleston for closure. Together both men will share their tales of that terrible season in Italy, each with their own ghosts—and their own reasons to exorcise them. But neither Peter nor Cass is prepared for where this path of revenge, complicity, and atonement will take them.

From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Confessions of Nat Turner, Set This House on Fire is more than just a byzantine murder mystery; it's a profound exploration of good and evil.

“Immediately impressive . . .the sense of the striking scene . . .the fine ear for dialogue, the sharp observation of cities and scenery and interiors.” — New York Times Book Review

This ebook features a new illustrated biography of William Styron, including original letters, rare photos, and never-before-seen documents from the Styron family and the Duke University Archives.