Patrick deWitt
Biography
Patrick deWitt is a Canadian novelist and screenwriter, celebrated for his distinctive narrative voice and darkly comedic style. Born in 1975 on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, he gained international acclaim with his 2011 novel, "The Sisters Brothers," which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Governor General's Award. His works often feature eccentric characters, anti-heroes, and a blend of literary fiction with elements of genre, such as the Western or gothic tale. DeWitt's prose is known for its precision, wit, and a melancholic undercurrent. His other notable novels include "Ablutions" (2009), "Undermajordomo Minor" (2015), and "French Exit" (2018), the latter of which was also adapted into a film for which he co-wrote the screenplay. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon.
Selected Thoughts
«A life without stories is a life without light.»
«There are many things that make people think you are a god, but there is one thing that will make people think you are a man, and that is a woman.»
«Life was a game, and it was a game I played poorly.»
Writing Style
Darkly humorous, melancholic, quirky, distinctive narrative voice, precise prose, often features deadpan wit, blends elements of Western, gothic, and literary fiction, strong characterization.