#@wallylamb – kindread spirits

Corby is admittedly struggling. Ever since he lost his job, his wife has been working regularly while he has taken on the role of homemaker for his toddler twins, Niko and Maisie. He has tried to find work, but has not been successful, and after many rejections, has essentially given up. But while he maintains the appearance of continuing to search, he also copes through the use of alcohol and a bit of an uptick in his anxiety medication as well. One morning, as he is preparing to bring his children to their grandmother’s house, a horrific accident occurs that turns Corby’s life into a living hell.

Wally Lamb has never shied away from difficult topics, and this novel is the perfect example of this. To be responsible for the loss of one’s child and then have to pay penance – to other family members, to society, and to oneself – is the ultimate worst case scenario, in my opinion. This is what Corby must come to terms with. And with the crisp, honest, and gritty writing that Lamb utilizes, with most of the narrative coming in the voice of Corby himself, we live his hell along with him.

What is remarkable is the likability of Corby’s character. He has done something horrible, for sure, but not intentionally. And he takes full responsibility for his actions, which garners our respect. He also earns the respect of those around him, with the exception of the few cruel officers who have something to prove. He is able to care for a few of his fellow inmates in a way that sometimes puts his own safety at risk, and yet we understand when he loses hope at times as well.

This is a powerful read, but definitely not for the feint of heart. It is emotional, even brutal in places – but it also is insightful and meaningful as well.

This novel opens with the tragic tale of Josephus Jones, who, living in a shack on the property of his employer, creates art that is only truly appreciated after his tragic death. Years later, on the same property, a new family with its own artist is coming to terms with their changed circumstance: that Annie, the wife, has left her husband, Orion, for her art dealer in Manhattan and they are planning to marry. As the upcoming nuptuals near, they set in motion a collision course that opens wounds and exposes secrets that have been suppressed for decades.

This novel is another brilliant saga, a gift to us from Wally Lamb. There are so many layers to unpack here, but the overarching message, I believe, is the corrosive damage done to us by keeping secrets from loved ones, and avoiding confronting our demons. Annie’s past, while dark and shameful (in her eyes), has been kept secret for so long, but it eats at her and erupts in dangerous ways. The secrets she then imposes upon her children are also damaging, both for her and for them. We see how each of her children cope, often dysfunctionally, in their own ways.

Lamb’s narration is outstanding. By rotating perspective from each of these colorful and dynamic characters and smoothly conforming the phrasing to their unique personalities, we are allowed inside the minds of each one. This enriches the story in a profound way and helps to build suspense as we see what each character sees and doesn’t see, knows and doesn’t know. The build into the later scenes left me breathless, to be honest.

An outstanding novel in so many respects. Do yourself the kindness of allotting time for this one. It’s also a MUST READ, so you kind of have to, right???