Peter Rock is an American author known for his distinctive, atmospheric fiction that often explores themes of isolation, identity, and the natural world. He teaches creative writing at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Rock has published several acclaimed novels, including "My Abandonment" (2009), which was adapted into the film "Leave No Trace," and "The Shelter Cycle" (2013). His work frequently features characters on the margins of society and landscapes that serve as both refuge and challenge. Rock's prose is characterized by its spare elegance and psychological depth. His novel "The Night Swimmers" (2019) continues his exploration of mysterious relationships and liminal spaces.