Stillwater Smith

Another must read for not only western fans but for those who like a book to chill out to. Yet again Roderus has brought to life characters that it's a pleasure to spend time with. Stillwater Smith is a civil war veteran who lives alone and is trying to forget that violent part of his life by leading a charmingly simple, almost pacifist, existence on his homestead, fishing and looking after his chickens, oat crop, and horses together with his dog, Joe. A potential disruption to this happy idyll occurs when businessman Asa Wheeler seeks Stillwater's permission to tap into the creek traversing his property supposedly to channel it lower down the valley to water his cattle. Roderus keeps you guessing as to whether Wheeler's affability will turn to nastiness if he doesn't get his way on behalf of his investors. This book has great depth: each character is sharply defined, and you not only learn much about homesteading, store keeping, etc., but a lot of time is spent in the thoughts of the main character as he muses on his situation and considers how his deeds or words might adversely affect others. You get to like Stillwater for this ability to empathise. I particularly enjoyed his innocent interactions with the girl that came to watch and to learn how to fish every Sunday at Stillwater's pond. It was very heart warming to read of the pleasure that this gave the girl and to Stillwater who simply enjoyed the upbeat joy that the girl expressed. I'm not a voracious reader - perhaps 20 books a year - but from what I've read there is a uniqueness of style and clarity about Roderus' writing that I've not quite yet put my finger on.

This is a masterpiece of understatement. A man who has suffered dreadfully, a man who became a killer but not through choice, but who since recoiled in horror at the nature of human violence is forced to defend himself. Read this book.