The Wilderness (Harvey novel)

The Wilderness is a novel by British author Samantha Harvey, published in 2008 by Jonathan Cape. In 2009, it was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction and longlisted for the Booker Prize.

Summary
The story follows an ageing architect, Jake, who is suffering from Alzheimer's. Jake attempts to deal with his condition as his life deteriorates.

Reception
The Wilderness received mostly positive reviews from critics. In a review for The Guardian, Olivia Laing said the book's "lyrical power" was matched by its "absolute emotional realism".

The Evening Standard said The Wilderness "touches a resounding chord of melancholy".

Awards
In 2009, When We Were Bad was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction, the only British author to be shortlisted that year.

It was also longlisted for the 2009 Booker Prize.