The 1995 novel "Mysterious Skin" began as Scott Heim's master of fine arts thesis at Columbia University.

NPR: 'Mysterious Skin' Chronicles the Aftermath of Abuse

What's remarkable about "Mysterious Skin, " according to many of the critics who've written about it, is how much of a departure it is from Araki's earlier works.

NPR: 'Mysterious Skin' Chronicles the Aftermath of Abuse

Mr. SCOTT HEIM ("Mysterious Skin"): There's a lot in the book that's autobiographical, but, you know, also there's a lot in the book that is just wholly from my imagination.

NPR: 'Mysterious Skin' Chronicles the Aftermath of Abuse