Fielding Bliss, a former lawyer in his sixties, recalls the summer of 1984 in Breathed, Ohio, when a heat wave and a strange boy turned the town upside down. The Bliss family, led by his father, the town's Reverend, invites a thirteen-year-old Black boy named Sal into their home after the boy writes a letter asking for help. Sal says he is the devil. As the heat rises, the townspeople turn to superstition and cruelty, and a series of misfortunes lead to a tragic climax. Tiffany McDaniel uses myth, nature and Southern Gothic style.
It suits readers who like dark, lyrical coming-of-age fiction with a strong sense of place. It is intense and sad. The writing stays focused on its characters and subject, so there is little padding to get through.
Balanced in tone; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2016
- Language
- EN
