The Short History Of A Prince

A Poignant Coming-of-Age Story Full of Grace and Heart

The Short History of a Prince by Jane Hamilton is a beautifully written, emotionally rich novel that explores the complexities of family, identity, and forgiveness. First published in 1999 by Black Swan, this literary coming-of-age story is both tender and unflinching in its portrayal of love, loss, and resilience.

Walter McCloud is a teenager with dreams of becoming a ballet dancer and the sensitivity to feel deeply in a world that doesn’t always understand him. Set between the 1970s and 1990s, the novel moves between Walter’s adolescence in small-town Wisconsin and his adult life as he navigates grief, guilt, and the bittersweet pull of the past.

Haunted by personal tragedy and family secrets, Walter must reconcile who he once hoped to be with the man he has become. Jane Hamilton paints his journey with lyrical prose, emotional honesty, and a keen eye for the quiet moments that shape a life.

A Rich and Reflective Literary Gem

The Short History of a Prince is ideal for readers who appreciate nuanced characters and beautifully crafted narratives. If you enjoy the works of Anne Tyler or Michael Cunningham, this deeply affecting novel is sure to resonate long after the final page.