I began this book with such high expectations. It had been touted to me by one of my favorite booksellers, who said customers just loved it. It received two glowing reviews in the Times; even if one was by Janet Maslin, the rave was still there. So, I thought I was beginning one of the Summer's Literary Events!!!!!!!!!!!
Some may think so, and when the Times Most Notable and Ten Best Books Of 2014 list comes out, it will be interesting to see where Henderson's book stands--or if it does.
My problem with it is that he crams too much into one story.
The novel has cinematic possibilities. I could see Jake Gyllenhaal as Pete Snow, and the role of Jeremiah Pearl, and even his more deranged wife, Sarah, are both dream roles for actors. Unlike "The Violent Bears It Away," the Flannery O'Connor book in which there was at least one likable character, (albeit who gets killed) no one in "Fourth Of July Creek" is likable. This would be all right, if the novel were good, say in the style of writers to whom he is being compared, like Cormac McCarthy and Richard Russo. I don't agree; Henderson ventures into their territory, but hasn't their style or structure. And he does not know jack about limitations. Or his editor did not.
This book was not without its fascinating moments, and the last section was a stunner, which shows it had some potential. The trouble is Henderson, almost anticipating in some way that this might be his only book, threw everything into the pot here, when he might left things out for future projects.
Go ahead, sue me! I was not satisfied!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As the great Joan Rivers said, let's see some of these book reviewers spell "Palestinian!!!!!!!!!!"
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