In this novel the land of the Territory is more than just a backdrop, but a living, breathing character. Her understanding and description of landscape and its impact on the story reminds me of the best work of writers like Barry Lopez, but here it’s a work of fiction, which makes it more of a feat.
Isobel is also a great character, and she more than holds her own with the land. Her mentor, Gabriel is solid, and the wizard, Farron, is captivating in a small but juicy role. The pace of the novel is measured, but I thought it very appropriate. Silver on the Road is set in a world full of magic and mysteries, and coming to learn it is not a quick or easy process. As Isobel and Gabriel travel horseback across the land, the story unfolds, bit by bit, and if it may seem a bit slow at times, the breadth and wealth of detail that Ms. Gilman packs into each scene more than makes up for it. When the big scenes take place, such as when the two discover a mysteriously abandoned town, the effects hold much more power that if we were being buffeted by non-stop action. Silver on the Road is both down to earth and wonderfully strange, and takes an old setting and turns it on it’s head to wonderful effect. When the next installment comes out, I’d like to read it by a campfire. That would be perfect! |
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July 2020
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