Picture a Canadian philosopher-turned-novelist who weaves time travel into a heartfelt exploration of grief and love—meet Scott Alexander Howard! His debut novel, The Other Valley, has captivated readers with its unique blend of speculative fiction and profound human emotion, earning accolades and a spot on the Canada Reads 2025 longlist. Howard’s ability to transform philosophical musings into a gripping narrative makes him a standout voice in modern literature.
Born and raised in Canada, Howard’s journey from academia to authorship is as intriguing as his storytelling. With a PhD in philosophy and a knack for exploring memory and regret, he crafts stories that linger long after the last page. Let’s dive into the world of this emerging literary talent!
The Making of Scott Alexander Howard
Scott Alexander Howard grew up in British Columbia’s Southern Okanagan, a region that inspired the vivid settings of his fiction. He pursued a PhD in philosophy at the University of Toronto, focusing on memory, emotion, and literature. Later, as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard, Howard deepened his exploration of these themes, laying the groundwork for his literary career. Personal experiences with loss, including the passing of a friend, shaped his perspective, infusing his writing with raw emotional depth. This blend of academic rigor and personal vulnerability set the stage for his debut novel.
Scott Alexander Howard’s Unforgettable Stories
Howard’s debut, The Other Valley, is a literary speculative novel that reimagines time travel as a geographical journey. Set in a valley where towns to the east are 20 years ahead and those to the west are 20 years behind, the story follows Odile, a 16-year-old grappling with love, loss, and moral dilemmas. The novel’s lyrical prose and philosophical depth explore themes of grief, regret, and fate, earning praise from authors like Emily St. John Mandel and Kazuo Ishiguro comparisons.
Unlike traditional sci-fi, Howard’s work prioritizes emotional resonance over technical gimmicks. His understated, precise prose creates a world where time travel serves as a metaphor for mourning and second chances. Critics have lauded The Other Valley for its originality, with The Guardian calling it “a philosophical thought experiment and a deeply moving story.” As his only published work to date, it showcases his potential as a novelist to watch.
Howard’s style draws on his academic roots, weaving thought experiments about identity and free will into a coming-of-age narrative. Readers are left pondering life’s big questions—how do our choices shape us? Can we ever truly revisit the past? His ability to balance intellectual depth with emotional heft makes The Other Valley a standout in speculative fiction.
Why Scott Alexander Howard Matters
Scott Alexander Howard’s impact lies in his ability to make speculative fiction profoundly human. By grounding time travel in the universal experiences of grief and love, he invites readers to reflect on their own lives. The Other Valley has resonated with audiences, earning a Jimmy Fallon Book Club nod and a PBS Books Readers Club pick. Its exploration of regret speaks to anyone who’s ever wondered “what if?”
As a debut author, Howard is already carving a niche in literary speculative fiction, blending philosophy with storytelling in a way that feels fresh yet timeless. His work challenges readers to embrace life’s uncertainties, making him a vital new voice in Canadian literature. With a TV adaptation in the works, Howard’s influence is only beginning to grow.
- Birthplace: British Columbia, Canada
Key Work: The Other Valley (2024)- Awards: Longlisted for Canada Reads 2025, Winter/Spring 2024 Indies Introduce Pick
Ready to lose yourself in a story that bends time and tugs at your heart? Grab The Other Valley and discover Scott Alexander Howard’s mesmerizing world of speculative fiction!