The World Made Straight

I think that even dedicated fans of Ron Rash's work will be surprised at how good this book is. I've been a fan since I heard Rash read from his first book of poems, and I've followed every volume of poetry and every novel since. As good as his previous novels were, The World Made Straight represents a major step and establishes Rash as one of the most important American writers working today. The writing is astoundingly good, and the story and characters are compelling. I particularly like the manner in which Rash captures the landscape of hills and waters of Madison County in Western North Carolina. The story connects a two men struggling in their lives with the story of the younger man's ancestors' involvement in the Shelton Laurel massacre of the Civil War. All of the components of the story are fascinating on their own, and Rash weaves them together almost effortlessly, it seems, and you feel pulled into the narrative. When I hear of a forthcoming Rash book, I've come to look forward to it in the same way I do a new book by Reynolds Price, or Anne Tyler, or Sherman Alexie. I look forward to his new poems like Mark Doty's or Mary Oliver's. It's been incrdibly satisfying to watch his body of work develop over the past decade, and I recommed him to everyone.

I've been reading novels written by the poet Ron Rash since they began appearing in 2003. The first, "One Foot in Eden," is so remarkable I read it twice in a week. His latest, "The World Made Straight," is also fine: begins with great tension, quietens to a deep study of major and minor characters, then rises to a finish as complex and irresolvable as life. His poet's language is wonderful without showing off, e.g., "No moon was out, and the stars had yet to pitch their tents and spark their small fires." Strongly recommend.

This, like Rash's other books, was a great read. Through the characters in the book, readers not only get a great story, but a real insight into the region as well. It's like taking a backstage tour into the life of the characters. I would recommend this, and any other of Rash's books, to people who like more than just a great plot, you get the whole story.

I couldn't put this down, from the first fishing trip that turns into a life-changing trap, to the final decisions two young men--and older men--have to make about their history, their lives and their role in re-living or changing history. Powerful book. Highly recommended.