Border Songs

From Highest Tide to Border Song, Lynch has spread his wings and demonstrates how far he can fly. I am amused by the some of the critics. They sound like English teachers who once wanted to be writers. If you like fun and funny characters, energizing stories...then Lynch is your man.

I'm not usually one to consider characterization a prime motivation for reading a work of fiction. Generally, I'm more drawn in by atmosphere and lyrical language than transfixed by a particular character. This is likely because not all that many authors seem to be creating fascinating characters lately, or if they are I haven't lucked onto their books. But Border Songs renewed much of my lost faith in quality contemporary literature. In a good year, I read one book that stands out from the pack. Yes, I'm that particular a critic of prose fiction, irritated by books lacking good editing - and that's assuming the prose itself is even worth the effort. For every atrocious book being published there are thousands more which never see the light of day, simply because the author doesn't hire the right agent. Or can't afford to, in most cases. The one book I fall in love with every year nails at least one of my requirements for what makes memorable fiction. Jim Lynch's book happens to hit the target on more than one level. He's created an endearing main character in Brandon. I couldn't get enough of him. I loved his sensitivity, his ability to see beauty where others didn't, his kindness and his gentle soul. Even a few of the minor characters, especially Brandon's father, manage to make the grade, something I find even more rare than a fascinating main character. As far as the plot, if not technically riveting, I could forgive that based on the incredible prose styling. And, when I say not technically riveting, I don't mean it's uninteresting. There's a lot going on, but the book wasn't difficult to put down because I had to know what happened next. It was difficult to put down because Brandon was so fascinating, so off-beat, so easy to love and empathize with I needed to get back to him. At times Lynch falters, as do most authors. There's a certain unprobability in some sections, a few trip ups. But, again, it's the prose that ultimately redeems the book. I wish I could share passages, but I know the book may still undergo a few changes before publication. Prose that sings like this must be celebrated. Border Songs may be my one book of the year. It's still too early to tell, but it's definitely in contention. It's hard to imagine surpassing Lynch's talent, and the book will definitely make my top three or five, but it will take a lot to dislodge this book from my complete admiration. It's truly a beautiful book in its languid, flowing way. Definitely not an edge of your seat book, but one that will stay in your mind a long time after you turn the final page.

Brandon Vanderkoool... notices things. Six foot eight, socially awkward and with a tendency to say his sentences backward when he is nervous, Brandon is most comfortable among the birds, cows and other animals of his home along the US-Canada border in Washington state. Nevertheless, he takes his job as a US Border Patrol agent seriously, and his ability to see what others don't brings him unexpected success in capturing smugglers, as well as the grudging respect of his colleagues, even if the townspeople still think of him as weird. Border Songs might succeed if it simply focused on Brandon, but Jim Lynch also weaves in the stories of others in Brandon's life. There's Brandon's dad Norm, a struggling dairy farmer who refuses to sell out, Wayne, the retired professor across the border ditch who is (literally) trying to reinvent the light bulb, Madeline, Wayne's daughter and a childhood playmate of Brandon's, who gets involved in things that put her in conflict with Brandon, Sophie the massage therapist that all the men pour their hearts out to, and many more. When Brandon (accidentally!) nabs a man suspected of being a terrorist, suddenly everyone is interested in him and this neglected stretch of the border. Tensions escalate, as does the smuggling, and Brandon finds himself trying to reestablish a connection with Madeline, who has her own agenda for contacting him. I was about two-thirds through the book and found myself wondering how Lynch would resolve all the threads. I've read too many books that crashed into a disappointing ending. Not this time - I found the conclusion of Border Songs delightfully satisfying. Full of unusual yet realistic-sounding characters, compelling stories and more than a dollop of social issues, Border Songs is a true delight. I look forward to more from Jim Lynch.