Genre: Historical Fiction
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The use of descriptive language in Burke's latest book, Wayfaring Stranger, is what first drew me in. I am not a fan of highly descriptive books, but his way with words enhanced every page of this historical novel. Whether the main character is talking about his family- "in better times, our family would have been sitting together on the porch, in wicker chairs or on the glider, with glasses of lemonade and bowls of peach ice cream" - or letting us feel his mother's descent into madness- "she wore out the rug in her bedroom walking in circles, squeezing her nails into the heels of her hands, talking to herself, her eyes watery with levels of fear and confusion that nobody could dispel" - James Lee Burke's words always make the reader feel something. I wanted some peach ice cream and felt his mother's anxiety. Those emotions convinced me to keep reading.
The author also introduces good vs evil in very interesting ways, and in this book inherent evil seems to be part of us all, even when our intentions seem good. The story begins with a young Weldon Holland encountering the infamous Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow on his grandfather's land, and shows how important chance meetings can be and the lasting impressions they can make. The book shows a maturing Weldon as he survives WWII and rescues the beautiful Rosita, who becomes his wife.
Weldon eventually gets involved in the oil business and experiences bigotry, anti-semitism, anti-communism and violence that was so evident in those post war days. Burke shows us that good is continuing the fight to win over evil, and he humanizes the battle quite well.
I have not read many of Burke's books, and I don't pick up historical novels too often, but something about this book kept me turning the pages. Through good and bad I liked Weldon, and the supporting characters were strong and interesting. Even if Historical novels are not your typical genre, I recommend that you give this one a try.
- Bev
Publisher - Simon & Schuster
Date of Publication - July 15, 2014
The author also introduces good vs evil in very interesting ways, and in this book inherent evil seems to be part of us all, even when our intentions seem good. The story begins with a young Weldon Holland encountering the infamous Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow on his grandfather's land, and shows how important chance meetings can be and the lasting impressions they can make. The book shows a maturing Weldon as he survives WWII and rescues the beautiful Rosita, who becomes his wife.
Weldon eventually gets involved in the oil business and experiences bigotry, anti-semitism, anti-communism and violence that was so evident in those post war days. Burke shows us that good is continuing the fight to win over evil, and he humanizes the battle quite well.
I have not read many of Burke's books, and I don't pick up historical novels too often, but something about this book kept me turning the pages. Through good and bad I liked Weldon, and the supporting characters were strong and interesting. Even if Historical novels are not your typical genre, I recommend that you give this one a try.
- Bev
Publisher - Simon & Schuster
Date of Publication - July 15, 2014
