“Virtually every beat of Shepard’s prose is bang on. His sharp dialogue, well-drawn characters, and incisivie descriptions work … both gripping and sad—a tale full of tenderness and tension.” —Quill & Quire Magazine

“Defining masculinity and male sexuality was likely not the goal of Shepard’s novel, but he does a fine job of exploring the topic nonetheless . . . When is a Man is fine proof of the skill the author has for grafting and crafting words into a memorable journey through the human condition.” —The Winnipeg Review

“When is a Man by Aaron Shepard is an intimate and affecting exploration of screw-tight landscapes of the Interior. Shepard paints scenes in smoke and snow and light and dark, and the crack language and iron settings of river, mountain and forest put me in mind of the best of Ken Kesey the merry prankster. When is a Man is complex and stubborn and a serious joy.” —Mark Anthony Jarman, author of 19 Knives and Dancing Nightly in the Tavern

“Lyrical, compassionate, erotic: this is a haunting portrayal of how a man can forget —and then remember —what it means to be desired.” —D.W. Wilson, author of Once You Break a Knuckle