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The Signal: A Novel Paperback – May 25, 2010

by Ron Carlson (Author)
3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 71 ratings
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"The Signal accelerates like an avalanche...If men can't be brought back to fiction by books as fine as this one, it's their own damn fault."
-The Washington Post

Ron Carlson, author of the critically acclaimed Five Skies, is an award-winning writer beloved by booksellers, reviewers, and readers alike. His most thrilling book to date, The Signal follows the story of Mack and Vonnie, a married couple who, after ten years together, are taking their last hike in the mountains of Wyoming to say goodbye to their relationship and to each other. As the troubled and tragic elements of their past gradually come to light over the course of their journey, Mack keeps a secret: he is tracking a signal, sent via a beacon that has fallen from the sky, that will lead them both into a wood far darker than they have ever imagined.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    184 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    May 25, 2010
  4. Grade level
    12 and up
  5. Reading age
    18 years and up
  6. Dimensions
    7.8 x 5.7 x 0.53 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0143117556
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0143117551
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Signal takes us into terrain that's stunning and terrible. In doing so, it becomes both an elegy to a broken marriage and a heart- stopping, suspenseful thriller. It's a difficult journey, but relax: with Ron Carlson, you really are in expert hands."
-New York Times Book Review

"Carlson never drops an extra word or a false phrase, even as "The Signal" accelerates like an avalanche, suspicion rolling into fear and then roaring down with a conclusion that shakes the ground. If men can't be brought back to fiction by books as fine as this one, it's their own damn fault."
-Washington Post

"Ron Carlson's new novel is a love story and a wilderness adventure that mounts to a climax of shocking, and satisfying, violence...Carlson paces his tale with craft and care, never hurrying. "The Signal" is about broken innocence and how, for the individual at least, balance might be found again. Carlson's a romantic --- even when he's writing about failings, folly and violence. This novel...has a lingering elegance and power. Lives go wrong, "The Signal" says, but they can be repaired too, if we find our centers and attend to what's around us."
-Los Angeles Times

"Read Ron Carlson's latest THE SIGNAL and you'll be convinced that the answer to your worries resides in the woods, in getting back to the basics... It's a sweet, tidy little book about a broken rancher. And yet it won't just help you pass the time, it will help you out."
-Esquire

"Long revered as a master of the short story, Carlson has a talent for describing landscape (both internal and external), and that translates here intact. At fewer than 200 pages, its beach ready, too."
-GQ

About the Author

Ron Carlson is the award-winning author of four story collections and four novels, most recently Five Skies. His fiction has appeared in Harper’s, The New Yorker, Playboy, and GQ, and has been featured on NPR’s This American Life and Selected Shorts as well as in Best American Short Stories and The O. Henry Prize Stories. His novella, “Beanball,” was recently selected for Best American Mystery Stories. He is the director of the UC Irvine writing program and lives in Huntington Beach, California.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Publishing Group (May 25, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0143117556
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143117551
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 12 and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.8 x 5.7 x 0.53 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 71 ratings

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Ron Carlson

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Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9 out of 5
71 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Elizabeth Hendry
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Stuff
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2009
Verified Purchase
Ron Carlson's The Signal is a terrific novella, a story of a man trying to find his way back to life, to prosperity, to happiness, after his release from a short stay in prison. Mack has arranged a camping trip, the last of a series of annual excursions into the Wyoming wilderness with his ex-wife, Vonnie. Mack's been in jail, participated in some questionable ventures and the trip is not simply one last trip--he's got some hidden motives. Things start to spiral out of control in the narrative, but never in the telling. Carlson is an excellent writer; the writing is spare but the story is rich. Mack and Vonnie are intriguing characters that defy simply stereotyping. Carlson's description of the wilderness is enough to make the most camping-averse reader see the beauty in these excursions. The Signal is a great story and a terrific read. Enjoy!
4 people found this helpful
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jim dailey
3.0 out of 5 stars fast read
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
Lot of filler but an excellent tale of romance, life struggles and the majesty of Wyoming Wind River Mountain Range.
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Dr. Mom
4.0 out of 5 stars Rich prose, fast-paced little story
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2016
Verified Purchase
The writer captures the season, place, and protagonist's voice as clear as a bell. If you found The Goldfinch a shaggy dog story and overwrought, you can find your Way back to enjoyable story telling here.
One person found this helpful
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JengaJ
5.0 out of 5 stars A quick, taut, character study and page turner
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2009
Verified Purchase
This is a very good book - 4.5 stars rounded up. The characters are well-rounded, full-bodied, realistic- they are believable, you get to know them quickly, you care about them, you like them. The back stories are credible and relevant to what is happening in the present. You feel that the author is giving you what you need to know for the story to unfold - quickly, without wasted descriptions. You get swept along into the plot, into the characters- it's a modern-day Western, wrapped in a love story, with thriller/mystery/crime story elements to bring it to the present day (the drone, the signal - that others have already mentioned).

All in a tight, taut, quick read. I was very impressed with this novel. You will be too.
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Joan Ganey
5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific read for lovers of Western adventures!
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2013
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book. Richly descriptive, taut drama, great characters. A book to keep and savor again and again.
One person found this helpful
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Sidney Eline Jr.
2.0 out of 5 stars The Signal
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2009
Verified Purchase
After reading this novel, I was wondering why Carlson wrote this book, the ending was nothing to brag about and most of the book was boring. Once I finished the book, I though, why was it written in the first place?
One person found this helpful
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Tracy Hall
3.0 out of 5 stars Weak Signal
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2012
Verified Purchase
Very average. Love the complexity of the protagonist, but it's a bit like watching a football game with only one touchdown in the fourth quarter.
One person found this helpful
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sozmd
5.0 out of 5 stars great story and the descriptions of hiking and camping and ...
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2015
Verified Purchase
great story and the descriptions of hiking and camping and fishing and the blending of current and past events is marvelous.
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Top reviews from other countries

deverth emile
5.0 out of 5 stars own rating about "The Signal"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 27, 2013
Verified Purchase
I made Carlson's acquaintance thanks to my wife who borrowed "five skies" (in French) from the local library.It's her who advised me to read his books.I have been delighted.After reading "five skies"I ordered "The Signal".Ron Carlson gave me much pleasure.His language like the stories are both colourful.From the beginning you are carried along into a world of mystery and violence.His novels are worth taking part to marvellous journeys far from any routine.
One person found this helpful
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R S Barclay
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 20, 2016
Verified Purchase
I have really enjoyed Ron Carlson's short stories and this is my first journey into one of his novels. It was greatly enjoyed.
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