An unforgettable addition to his widely acclaimed body of work, “The Late Child” is Larry McMurtry's tender, funny, and poignant sequel to “The Desert Rose.” McMurtry delivers another rich cast of characters — and a heartfelt, bittersweet story that unfolds on the open road, in one woman's search for strength, understanding, and hope.

Harmony is the optimistic, resilient Las Vegas ex-showgirl who returns home one day to the news that her beloved daughter has died, in New York, of AIDS. She manages to stay afloat, buoyed by her precocious five-year-old son, Eddie, and her two outspoken sisters as they set forth on a journey across the country, seeking answers about her daughter's death. From Nevada to New York to Oklahoma, the eccentrics Harmony and her entourage meet nudge them closer to an inner peace with life, and a way to find hope in the future. Alive with inventive storytelling and honest emotion, “The Late Child” is a warm, enriching experience that celebrates the unique relationship between mother and child.

Larry McMurtry is the author of twenty-nine novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Lonesome Dove.” His other works include two collections of essays, three memoirs, and more than thirty screenplays, including the coauthorship of “Brokeback Mountain,” for which he received an Academy Award. He lives in Archer City, Texas.