Author: Howard Frank Mosher

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

ISBN: ISBN 978-1-250-06948-1 (hardcover) ISBN 978-1-4668-8200-3 (e-book) eISBN 9781466882003

A reader experiences a series of sensations when tucking into a truly wonderful book. First there is a sense of ease, perhaps relief, in knowing that the reader is in the hands of a writer who knows how to write. Next comes the excitement of knowing that the writer is also a gifted story teller. Finally, there is the feeling of reward and satisfied pleasure that comes from knowing that these twin capacities have come together in a truly exciting tale artistically told.

Author Mosher’s account of the sentimental, heroic, poignant, and violent experiences of generations of a family living in Vermont near the Canadian border makes for truly splendid and speedy reading.

The central family is the Kinnesons and Jim Kinneson is its central member. The focus on Jim is so strong that readers might sometimes think that the stories are being told in the first rather than the third person. Jim, known as James by his wondrous lover, is a writer who like many successful writers (James Broderick comes to mind) started out as a cub reporter for a local newspaper.

The stories range from tales of violence and revenge to milder, but no less valuable observations of the human condition. Mosher’s concern for inhumanities imposed on man or moose is equivalent. The author’s insights and compassionate evaluations prevail throughout.

The many characters of this novel are vividly described; the reader feels like inviting them all to tea, or, in some cases, for something stronger. To help the reader locate the many members of the Kinneson Clan portrayed in the book, the author has appended a useful genealogical chart.

The author’s use of simile and metaphor add artistic texture to the telling of a basically rural series of tales. There are lots of words alien to city slickers, but Mosher makes their context so clear that it is totally unnecessary to verify their specific meanings.

Sometimes Mosher can be deliciously delicate:

“Soon the brook trout would don their matrimonial attire, in preparation for their annual fall spawning ritual.” I think this boils down to fish fucking.

Typical of the author’s lyrical use of language is the following:

“Yet, as he started his truck and headed over the height of land toward the other side of the hills, he knew in his heart that however far he might go, he would always take with him the stories, the mysteries, and the imperishable past of God’s Kingdom. For now, that was enough.”

It may be enough for Jim, but lovers of English and great story telling will crave lots more from the pen of Mr. Mosher.