The Short History of a Prince : A Novel by Jane Hamilton

The Short History of a Prince by Jane Hamilton is a poignant coming-of-age novel about identity, love, and the courage to be oneself.
 
Walter McCloud grows up in 1970s Wisconsin dreaming of being a ballet dancer — a dream that sets him apart in ways both beautiful and painful. In The Short History of a Prince, Jane Hamilton tells a tender, emotionally honest story about growing up different, navigating first love, and finding belonging.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
Deeply empathetic, character-driven storytelling
Honest exploration of identity and self-acceptance
Moving coming-of-age themes
Rich Midwestern setting
A quiet but powerful literary voice
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of literary coming-of-age novels
Readers interested in LGBTQ+ themes
Book clubs exploring identity and family dynamics
Those who appreciate reflective, emotionally layered fiction
Readers who loved Jane Hamilton’s earlier work
 
Walter McCloud knows from a young age that he is different. In a small Midwestern town, his love of ballet sets him apart from his peers and leaves him vulnerable to misunderstanding and cruelty. Yet it also becomes the foundation of his identity — a source of strength, discipline, and self-expression.
 
As Walter grows into adulthood, he navigates friendships, romantic longing, and the tension between personal truth and social expectation. Jane Hamilton’s prose is tender and perceptive, capturing the quiet ache of wanting to belong while remaining true to oneself.
 
The Short History of a Prince is a compassionate and beautifully observed novel about identity, resilience, and the delicate balance between hiding and shining.