From the Garden of Memory

I wanted to share this viewpoint: "I thought this was a bizarre story, but I kept reading to find out what happened. The ending was weird, the story line is weird, the characters are weird. I guess I would have to say this is a weird book! Did I like it? I don't know...I don't think so much. The book would be a wonderful base to make an altered book, however. The title (From the Garden of Memory) would make wonderful creative spreads in an altered book. And several sections of the book have a page that has a photo of a house, and sub-titles such as: Realm of memory; Family of Cousins; Among Heirlooms and Ancestry; Rumors of the Blood; etc. If you are into altering books, this one would lend itself well to that creative endeavor. It is hard cover and has a sewn binding, which is the best type of binding in altering books, as this binding stands up well to the repeated opening and closing that goes with altering a book." (comments from Bookmoocher, Denise Toomey)

It's always refreshing in the vein of John Irving to find a novelist who can write something so dark and even depressing while never failing to insert a healthy dose of humor. The story follows a tragic family and the surviving member, Kate. As she comes to grips with the loss of family while "discovering" a new branch of relatives; Williams manages to create some very funny moments. Humor is part of all our lives, even if we don't see it. I anxiously await his next novel. Also, if you want to see further examples of the quality of his prose check out "Raising Lazarus", which although it may tell the physician-heal-thy-self-story of Dr. Robert Pensack - the words clearly belong to Williams.

This story is one causing nerve-racking concern for a vulnerable girl coming of age. She chooses to rely on odd "family" members who lead her on a path of irresponsible behavior. Her journey seems incredible; yet, many of us have been at similar cross-roads in our lives. We've just chosen healthier, safer routes, hopefully. Another solid piece by a much to be watched author.

Mr. Willliams book is a superb example of the art of the novel. Told from the vantage point of an omniscient narrator, the novel weaves together the landscape of the Mississippi floodplain with the pschological lansdcape of a young woman's journey from innocence to worldliness. Acting as a lens for the story is the overarching metaphor of the effect of memory, real or fiction, as a mechanism of meaning. Mr. Williams writes with the rare ability of making tangible the interior thoughtworld of his characters. His style is visceral, beautiful to behold. This book is highly recommended!