Driftless

by: David Rhodes

Published by: Milkweed Editions

Reviewed by Shawn Remfrey

In the small town of Words, Wisconsin, we find a group of people with complex and intertwined lives. July Montgomery is a drifter that arrived 20 years ago and has made a place for himself among the townsfolk. Violet and Ophelia are two sisters who need each other. One cannot walk, and the other needs to be needed. Grahm and Cora Shotwell are fighting Corporate America after uncovering a milk scandal. Gloria Shotwell is chasing her dream of being a musician. Jacob Helm grieves over his dead wife. Rusty and Maxine Smith need to learn a hard lesson in tolerance. Winnie Smith, the pastor, has an unearthly experience. All of the townspeople are haunted by their pasts in one way or another.
When I first picked up this book, I was struck by the beauty of it. On the dust jacket we can see the town of Words, and after reading the book and looking at the front again, you can see what each of the characters sees in the town. It’s a safe haven, an alternate universe, a work place, a prison.

I found myself investing a lot of emotion into this book. Once again I was trapped inside the pages and felt angry at the end when I was forced out. You become so close to the characters that they feel not only like family, but lifelong friends as well. You can touch each person’s soul and know exactly where their hearts is and what thoughts fill their heads. You want to help them, scold them, hug them, and comfort them.

I was filled with every emotion while reading this book–ranging from joy to grief. I believe it has made me a better person. I’m looking at life differently, more open-minded and compassionate.

David Rhodes also wrote The Last Fair Deal Going Down, The Easter House, and Rock Island Line in the mid-seventies. I’m thankful he has reentered into the writing world. Hopefully the publication of this book signifies that there will be more in the future.

Armchair Interviews agrees.