"The Paragraph Ranch"

"The Paragraph Ranch" by Kay Ellington and Barbara Brannon was a bit of a crazy ride for me.  The entire reading experience started poorly upon notification that I was receiving an electronic copy.  Since I don't and won't do e-readers, I was forced to print a copy.  For me, most of the story was predictable and simplistic, and the only real attempt to develop a character was with the central figure, Dee.  I typically wouldn't even attempt to finish something like this, but I couldn't put it down because of G.H. Templeton storyline,  I was initially annoyed by the writing advice at the beginning of each chapter, but as I came to appreciate the borderline brilliant mystery surrounding Dee's research subject, I was also able to accept that device.  Two authors usually makes me cringe, as their efforts are often apparent, and I wonder if that's the case in this book.  Parts of it were almost literary in quality, and parts sleep inducing.  In the end the Dee research angle kept me engaged and warranted a higher rating than otherwise.

"Life Drawing"

 “Life Drawing” by Robin Black, is a book I came across accidentally while visiting and then clicking through the website of a small New England independent bookstore.  I bought the book online and then let it gather dust for a few months in my “to read” pile – until this week.  I believe Matthew Thomas’ “We Are Not Ourselves” is the best book I’ve read in a decade, but this one comes in a close second.  Black’s debut novel is a beautifully written tale, weaving themes of loss and betrayal, isolation versus confrontation, forgiveness and deceit, as it details the fragile marriage of Augusta (Gus) and Owen.

Gus, the artist, and Owen, the author, both struggle personally and professionally to deal with her previous relationship infidelity.  They establish a fragile peace that limits their creativity and forbids any growth or repair for their marriage.  The book offers many glimpses into the ways couples settle into places that are neither happy nor comfortable:

"By forty, is there anyone who hasn't had to recognize that happiness, as understood by youth, is illusory? That the best one can hope for is an absence of too many tragedies and that the road through the inevitable grief be, if not smooth, then steady? Daily life was a pale gray thing, it seemed, and to expect otherwise was to be a fool - at best."

What peace they have is almost immediately disturbed by a new neighbor, and ultimately her daughter and ex-husband.  Nothing ends well for anyone. 

If I had any criticism it would be way Black seems to condemn Owen for his inability to forgive and trust Gus after the betrayal, a path we eventually see Owen was wise for following.

Loved the book and the author’s style so much I tracked down a previous collection of short stories on eBay.  Now I need to find that independent bookseller again and mine for more gems like this one!