Book excerpt: NOW IN PAPERBACK! “Red Stagis one of the best novels I have read in years: a story set in the beautifully evoked deep countryside of Normandy, a landscape that surrounds the characters the way a river does a trout.” —Field & Stream “A compelling novel of the hunt for a stag, a lost love, and the murderer of the hero’s uncle. Beautifully written, it is both a fine sporting novel and literature.” —Jim Harrison, author ofDalvaandTrue North “This book offers many old-fashioned pleasures. . . . Highly recommended.” —Library Journal “A gripping, deeply felt story embedded in a cherished and closely observed world still ruled by the laws of nature.” —Thomas McGuane, author ofNothing But Blue Skies and Ninety-Two in the Shade “An absolutely beautiful book. . . . ReadingRed Stagis like walking outside on the most glorious October afternoon of your life—you are moved by grandeur.” —Doug Stanton, author ofIn Harm’s Way “A debut with the feel of a nineteenth-century novel. . . . De la Valdene’s descriptions of the Norman forests and wildlife are rich and graceful.” —Publishers Weekly Guy de la Valdenewas born and raised in France. His other books includeThe Fragrance of Grass(Lyons Press), as well asFor a Handful of FeathersandMaking Game: An Essay on Woodcock.His articles have appeared inSports Afieldand Field & Stream. He lives on an 800-acre farm near Tallahassee, Florida.