The Amateur

Quotes

Chosen by the New York Times Book Review as one of "The Novels Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026.” ● Chosen by Oprah’s Book Club as one of “Six Stories That’ll Set the Tone for the Summer"

"Bohjalian’s wonderful book is a morality tale, a snapshot of a strange, careless time in a particular slice of America, a psychological exploration of guilt and its repercussions, a portrait of a girl going off the rails — and then, because of an exciting plot twist, a courtroom drama."
—Sarah Lyall, New York Times Book Review

"Rife with shrewd character assessments and sharp observations on class distinctions. . . . Perhaps Mr. Bohjalian's most satisfying work.”
—Tom Nolan, The Wall Street Journal

“Unputdownable. . . . The 26th page-turner from Chris Bohjalian, like many of its predecessors, gets its narrative pizzazz from a brilliantly-evoked time and place. . . . Expect late-breaking reveals and a big, juicy 11th-hour plot twist. . . . Masterful.”
—Marion Winik, The Boston Globe

"On one hand, this may be Bohjalian’s most polished, commercial novel yet, surpassing even The Flight Attendant in its screen-friendly elements. . . . On the other hand, this may be Bohjalian’s most psychological novel, with a first-person perspective through hubris, breakdown, and a hard-earned second chance at life."
—Bethanne Patrick, The Los Angeles Times

"The courtroom revelations supply the suspense, while Mira’s caustic voice gives the novel its sting and a late twist reorders the entire story. The Amateur is ultimately about guilt: who carries it, who deserves it and who has enough money to hand theirs to someone else.”
—Jordan Snowden, The Seattle Times

"This literary thriller is a masterfully executed ace."
—Laura Wilson, The Guardian (UK)

“An irresistible, insightful retelling of Lolita.”
—Oprah Daily

"This sophisticated literary thriller scrutinizes the peeling paint of picket-fence America.”
—The Times of London (UK)

“The Amateur, the 26th novel from the great Chris Bohjalian, doesn’t go where you might expect. Bohjalian, who never writes the same book twice, unspools a legal drama. . . . Every book is a departure for Bohjalian, whose endlessly inventive mind always find a fresh story to tell.”
—The St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"A gripping read that gets more so as the story unfolds.”
—Prudence Wade, Irish News

"In this modern twist on Lolita, a teen caddy is killed by golf prodigy Mira's errant ball. The trial reveals dysfunction, substance abuse, and Mira's affair with a married man."
—People, "Best Books of August"

"A gripping tale of loss that becomes a courtroom drama with a twist.”
—Leslie Zemeckis, The Montecito Journal

“Bohjalian is a remarkable novelist. . . . [His] insightful exploration of his characters’ psychology, his takedown of suburban 1980s culture, and his fluid prose made one race through the pages of The Amateur. And when the narrator addresses the reader like a co-conspirator, it creates a sense of intimacy and suspense.”
—Christopher Atamian, The Armenian Mirror-Spectator

"The Amateur is a stunning, addictive novel, and Chris Bohjalian is a masterful plotter and wordsmith. Mira’s plight is worthy of any tragic female protagonist from classic literature, and I strongly believe this will be not only an award winner when the dust settles on 2026, but also one of the high points of Bohjalian’s career."
—Ray Palen, BookReporter

"The Amateur is a thought-provoking, introspective novel that raises questions about culpability and blame. . . . Mira is a complex protagonist, forced to grow up too soon even long before she hit the ball that killed Kenny, and her exercise to make sense of everything that has happened to her makes for a thrilling, fascinating read.”
—Rachel Hullett, BookBrowse

"Chris Bohjalian’s latest is, quite simply, a masterpiece. I cannot praise this novel enough. It’s delicate, haunting, complex, and startling. . . . A prescient reminder that those who feel most inclined towards guilt are often the least deserving of blame. The Amateur is a standout stunner of a story, and the perfect gateway into Bohjalian’s substantial literary oeuvre."
—Molly Odintz, CrimeReads

"The Amateur is an outstanding, well-written, thought-provoking novel. One doesn’t need to play golf or even understand the game in order to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it to readers everywhere. It’s a winner.”
—Carissa Mosness, Woman's World

"A gripping story that feels personal and lived-in because it is. . . . A wild ride through the psyche of a smart, self-aware, and dangerously damaged young woman."
—Margot Harrison, Seven Days

"Spellbinding. . . . Classic Bohjalian: a riveting tale told by a female protagonist that weaves together mystery, intrigue, romance, betrayal and secrets that had me frantically turning the page to find out what happens next."
—David Goodman, Vermont Digger

"The Amateur is a joyous novel with an unforgettable narrator who will break your heart. It is sharply funny, beautifully told and so moving on the way life can upend itself in a single moment. I adored it."
—Clare Leslie Hall, New York Times bestselling author of Broken Country

"A gripping literary thriller in which a young woman’s future hangs in the balance after a chance accident at an elite country club exposes secret affairs and class divides. Impossible to put down.”
—Gillian McAllister, New York Times bestselling author of Caller Unknown and Wrong Place, Wrong Time

"Styled as an unflinchingly candid memoir written by Mira decades after the fact, Bohjalian’s latest dazzles as it devastates. Plentiful foreshadowing ramps up tension and keeps the momentum high while Mira turns over weighty subjects—sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress, familial dysfunction—with grace and wry humor. It’s a masterpiece."
—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

“Irresistible… a marvelous 11th-hour twist and a satisfying denouement lie ahead. It’s hard to think of any reason not to call this a perfect novel: a hole in one.”
—Kirkus (Starred Review)

“Intrepid . . . Timely and empathic.”
—Booklist (Starred Review)

“Bohjalian delivers again with this suspenseful novel. . . . Provocative. . . . An engrossing read that will offer much discussion for book clubs.”
—Library Journal