The Travelers is a major American novel about family, history, and the resilience of love. Covering at least six decades of sweeping changes—from the struggle for civil rights and the chaos of the Vietnam War to the first year of the Obama presidency—the author unfolds the story of two families connected in unexpected, profound, and deeply human ways.

“If you’re looking for an excellent, poetic, and sometimes funny tale of ordinary people striving to build meaningful relationships or if you’re among those who wish Raymond Carver had written a novel, here you are!”

The New York Times

“Rich and sparkling, this book is an exhilarating journey. Porter captures human flaws and passions with tremendous insight. In her hands, a succession of moments transforms into life.”

The Guardian

“It takes tremendous insight and generosity of spirit to write such a book.”

Paul Harding, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Tinkers

“Original and deeply moving.”

Garth Greenwell

“A rare book that guarantees a great and long writing career.”

Times Literary Supplement

“A stunning debut.”

Oprah Magazine

The Travelers is not only the gripping saga of two families interwoven across generations, but also the ironic and scathing chronicle of intolerance and racist violence in twentieth-century America, as well as a passionate reminder that we honor more those we loved in the past by continuing to love others.”

Jim Shepard, author of Like You’d Understand, Anyway