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Very few words about very long stories.

Let's talk about reviews and writing first. Two things:
1. I review novels I have enjoyed reading. If I did not enjoy reading it, I usually don't review it. I may have issues with themes, plots, characters, but I may still like the book. I do not trash writers, stories, writing. I find nasty reviews are covers for bad critical writing skills. If you know how to write, you know how to say something without being nasty. Otherwise, don't write.
2. I do not write more than quick summary of plot. I like to talk about the energy of a book. What made it work. What themes the author touched upon. Character development. Did I learn something? Etc.

Blue Summer, by Jim Nichols. Islandport Press.

10/26/2020

What is it about the state of Maine that creates good writers. Elizabeth Strout, my favorite, Richard Russo, a close second. Then there is Ron Currie, a great satirist. And the list could go on and on. It must be the air and cold water. Or maybe it's the eccentric culture. Down-to-earth denizens. Gorgeous land. I just don't know. But when I see a writer from Maine, I know I'm going to be reading about real human beings with real problems. Even if we can't relate to the problem, we always relate to the writing.

So, another Maine writer, Jim Nichols, has published Blue Summer, a story about a jazz trumpet player, Cal Shaw, who now recounts his life from behind prison bars. So, yes, it's a a backstory novel, but it's fast paced and easy to follow. And it's a Maine writer so you're in good hands.

Cal Shaw cannot escape his life in the same way he cannot escape his musical song writing, which centers on his emotional blues. The songs stay in his mind-- like his past, like this story--and all of it was seeded one tragic summer.

And that's the story. There's a traumatic turning point in Cal's childhood after his father dies in a car accident and another unstable and cruel step father takes his place. The resulting abuse by this man and perceived betrayal by a mother who puts the marriage above her children, indelibly alters Cal. The kids put up with it, but the burning emotion eventually bubble over and results in a life changing tragedy.

Step father abuse stories are not that original, they fill our shelves. But Jim Nichols' story is elevated to a different level because of his writing voice. Soulful and eloquent, at times as soothing and raw as jazz. This unique storytelling and lovely writing makes for great reading.

I could have spent more time in the character's past, particularly his relationships. It's hard to know whether I wanted that because I wanted more of Nichol's writing, or if I needed more of an anchorage to understand the character's future behavior. I think a bit of both.

It's great writing, fast and entertaining.

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In Our Midst, by Nancy Jensen. A Dzanc book.

10/13/2020

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The Aust family leave Germany six years after the end of World War I to make a life in America. They settle in a small, and rather typical, midwestern town in Indiana, where they open a restaurant and acclimate nicely into American culture. The Austs develop close friendships, generously contribute to the community, add to the eclectic, growing a country of immigrants.

And then comes another world war and as America fights Nazism-- which grows powerful by dehumanizing others—it allows fear to justify its own display of dehumanization of others. As we learn of German concentration camps, we develop our own camps for those we consider a threat—Italian, German, and Japanese nationals.

The reader follows the Aust family through their journey from beloved citizens of a small American town to accused traitors-- moved from one camp to another, first separated and alone, then as a family. The family is arrested and judged without due process, tossed into camps against their will, where they’re treated like traitors/criminals and live among true Nazi thugs with no means of protection. With the exception of a few friends, most neighbors in Indiana turn their back on this German family. They have to rely upon small acts of kindness of strangers and new friends and their love for each other.

This is not an easy book to read, but it is an important book because it reminds us not only of
of the importance of due process and constitutional freedoms, but also, the importance of kindness and understanding even during the chaos of war. It is shocking and ironic we fought a war against a regime that dehumanized “others,” yet in the name of that fight proceeded to dehumanize “others.”

The author never preaches, only shows us the world through the eyes of “others.” We live and breathe with the Aust family as this travesty takes place. We see the camps, the betrayal of neighbors, the fear and paranoia of our government. We see the distant eyes of guards and harsh, cold treatment from many Americans.

The truth is difficult and at times I wondered how much of this story deviated from reality. Were paranoid actions in reality truly this brutal or did the author darken the world for effect? In a book like this, research and quality of writing is important, and, ultimately, because of Jansen’s authentic details and excellent writing, I trusted her.

Books like IN OUR MIDST display the importance of historical literary fiction. Good literary writers, like Nancy Jensen, take us on important journeys that most history books avoid. We are allowed to feel the consequences of our mistakes, not simply learn them.

This is a tough read, but it’s an important one-- particularly now, when anger and fear of the “other” is leading our country, once again, to devolve into division and hate. Great writing and insight. I recommend it.

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Very few words about very long stories.

Blue Summer, by Jim Nichols. Islandport Press.

In Our Midst, by Nancy Jensen. A Dzanc book.

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