A Circle in the Woods, by Winston Emerson review

This book isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea for a couple of reasons, but I found it intriguing and enjoyable, even and especially with its lack of closure at the end.

First off, the style of prose is different than what most people have come to expect when reading a book. There are no quotation marks to indicate when the characters are speaking, and punctuation seems to be used in a stylistic method to create a specific rhythm. Personally, as the reader, this drew me into the story at greater a level than normal, as if I were actually present as an omniscient being to observe the happenings.

Frankly, none of the characters are particularly likeable; even the young girl whom the story partially revolves around has some hang-ups that aren't particularly appealing, though I did find myself pulling for her the most, over any of the other characters.

Phil, the lead male in the story, is not your average guy. At first, it just seems like he's some sort of mid-century survivalist living off of the land, but slowly the story reveals that there is much more to him; possibly non-human aspects to him existence.

This book is at times sad, trying, violent and brutal, and over all, well worth the read.


/ [Ms. Steel]

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