Halibut on the Moon is the seventh novel by prize-winning, best-selling American author, David Vann. Jim Vann lands in San Francisco to be met by his younger brother, Gary. They get in Gary’s Dodge truck and head straight to Jim’s therapist. At the end of the consultation, Dr Brown stresses to Gary that Jim must not be left alone and that he must not have access to any guns (including his own Ruger .44 magnum, located in his valise, separate from the bullets in his luggage, as instructed). The medication Jim is to start taking may not have any effect for two weeks, except perhaps to worsen his symptoms.

Jim has left his newly built but empty house in Fairbanks, Alaska because he is suicidal. He believes his phone calls with his second wife, Rhoda are keeping him on an even keel but his family believes this to be a dangerous relationship. In between therapist sessions, Gary takes Jim to his first wife’s house to see his children, David and Tracy, and to his parents’ house. But, against all advice, Jim also insists on seeing Rhoda, and later, his friend, John.

As Jim rides the rollercoaster of his manic depression, he seems set on ending his life in the immediate future. With that mindset, his interactions with family and friends are completely without filter: he says and does things he might never have considered while he was stable. It’s often perceptive, sometimes bizarre, and much of it is jaw-dropping stuff that will have the reader cringing, but also, sometimes, laughing. A bit like seeing a train wreck happen: impossible to look away.

Vann’s books are never a comfortable read: his characters can be difficult to identify with and the subject matter can be confronting, making the reader squirm while also registering the black humour. His depiction of a manic-depressive’s fluctuating moods is particularly authentic. This is the early eighties, and the treatment is basic; the reaction of Jim’s brother and father, in the “get a grip” theme, is perhaps ignorant, but quite understandable.

This novel is a reimagining of his father’s final days, a subject Vann freely admits he cannot release. He deals with this disturbing topic skilfully, and it certainly feels like a catharsis. Vann’s descriptive prose, as always, is often exquisite. This is a dark and powerful read.