5 best novels set in Oregon
Stunning river valleys, the rugged coastline, and towering pine forests, Oregon has it all! This verdant backdrop often plays host to stories of ordinary people made extraordinary by circumstance. Dip into novels set in Oregon and lose yourself amidst settings as enchanting as the narratives they frame. From tales of sweeping romance to gripping mysteries, our literary journey traverses the vast landscapes of this state, where the natural world is as essential to the story as any character.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
By Ken Kesey
How it fits the "novels set in Oregon" vibe: Kesey's masterful novel, set in an Oregon psychiatric hospital, explores themes of individuality and rebellion, perfectly capturing the unique spirit of the state.
Publisher: Penguin
Page Count: 306
Published Date: 2016-10-18
The Jump-Off Creek
By Molly Gloss
How it fits the "novels set in Oregon" vibe: This meticulously researched novel delicately portrays the harsh realities of pioneering life in Oregon during the 1890s.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Page Count: 231
Published Date: 2014-05-20
Sometimes a Great Notion
By Ken Kesey
How it fits the "novels set in Oregon" vibe: This powerful novel is set in the dense forests of Oregon, chronicling the lives and struggles of a family of loggers.
4 / 5 Stars on Google Books
Publisher: Penguin
Page Count: 740
Published Date: 2006-08-29
Lean on Pete
By Willy Vlautin
How it fits the "novels set in Oregon" vibe: Vlautin's touching coming-of-age story, set in the underbelly of Portland, Oregon, explores the bond between a boy and a racehorse.
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Page Count: 290
Published Date: 2010-02-04
Geek Love
By Katherine Dunn
How it fits the "novels set in Oregon" vibe: This unforgettable novel, based in Portland, Oregon, tells the story of a travelling carnival family, presenting the unconventional in a humorous and affectionate light.
Publisher: Vintage
Page Count: 480
Published Date: 2011-05-25