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Kingsolver has successfully created an authentic voice for her teenage protagonist, a voice at once heartbreaking, humorous (often at his own expense), and ultimately resilient. This highly recommended work is an excellent read in conjunction with Beth Macy’s Dopesick and J.D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy (both nonfiction) and novels like Tess Gunty’s The Rabbit Hutch and Daniel Woodrell’s Winter’s Bone.
In this follow-up to Dalton’s LJ best-booked debut, Boy Swallows Universe, goodness, hope, and a bit of magic are pitted against gritty realities. The result is unquestionably appealing, though somewhat diminished by a number of characters who seem like period movie clichés.
As an exercise in possibility--how any of us may reach old age and face death--this novel is sometimes prophetic, sometimes preposterous, but never boring.
Grounding this story in historical fact, Howarth (Only Killers and Thieves) quickly draws readers into a riveting, action-packed tale of life in Australia between 1890 and 1910. The violent scenes are sufficiently graphic to achieve the intended impact without being overdone. Descriptions of landscapes and characters are swiftly drawn but not superficial; strong women characters add to this engrossing tale.
This short book is an inspiring, yet heartbreaking read. Jaku’s message, he says, is to above all remain grateful in the face of adversity. His words will resonate, and his story will engage readers interested in Jewish history or inspirational writing.