First published in 1989, the first novel from the author of Gospel. Gil Freeman dreams of leaving the Midwest, going to New York, and becoming a famous actor. "Full of sharp, often acid, character sketches, memorable scenes, alternately touching and uproariously funny, that linger in the memory".--Publishers Weekly.

A big, funny, engaging, unsentimental and sometimes even wise book...Delightful.--New York Post

Author of Lookaway, Lookaway

Wilton Barnhardt's novel of coming of age in New York City brims with energy, surprise, irresistible humor, and the heady rush of youth. Its hero, Gil Freeman, a midwestern aspiring actor, comes to the city in search of stardom--but instead encounters the perils of Alphabet City, the desperation of off-off-off-Broadway theater...and the exhilarating, exasperating, absolutely unique Emma, around whom his life comes to turn. Charming and engaging, quintessentially American, Emma Who Saved My Life is one of the extraordinary fiction debuts of our time.