Lord of Misrule (novel)

Lord of Misrule is a 2010 novel by American author Jaimy Gordon. The book won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2010.

The novel is set in a West Virginia backwater steeped in poverty and decay, and centers around the lives of characters connected to a low-rent racetrack. The narrative follows the intertwined stories of several individuals involved in the track's racing scene, including riders, owners, and gamblers.

The story is notable for its distinctive vernacular and voice, immersing the reader in the gritty realities and unique dialect of the region. The novel employs a stream-of-consciousness narrative style and focuses on the themes of poverty, desperation, and the allure of fleeting fortune in a world with limited opportunities. Key characters include Medicine Ed, the wily owner, and various jockeys and horses attempting to navigate the treacherous landscape of the racing world. The book also explores the ethical compromises and moral ambiguities present in their pursuit of success and survival.