Most of the story moves to a steady beat. Not fast-paced, just moderately balanced. But then the end just hits you, and the emotions pour.
The use of eminent domain has been enforced on their property, and Jo, a twenty-two year old paraplegic, narrates life in small town Eden, Montana after her older brother detonates a bomb in a nearby town that injures many in response to the land acquisition. Her brother, Samuel, was known for anti-government extremism, but now Jo is left to pick up the pieces since Samuel has gone into hiding.
“Samuel told me that after our mother’s death, the women of Prospect supplied him with food for weeks. No one has brought me anything now; apparently there is no casserole that says “Sorry your brother’s a terrorist.””
The description provided for this book might make it seem like it’s centered around terrorism, extreme politics, and eminent domain; but, it’s actually about how these actions affect the main character, Jo. It is character driven. Her narration brings these effects to light because of her brother. Throughout the story, the reader sees how Jo reacts to and questions her brothers poor choices. Her growth as a character is illuminated through her decisions the days following the bombing.
“…while I might not be my brother, and might not be responsible for what he has done, he is still my brother.”
I enjoyed Pastor Asa’s character. His struggle to find meaning in the bombing where his daughter was injured was tragic. Acumen involving religion and faith were tested through Asa’s character.
“I wonder what part of him that is a pastor is at war with the part of him that is a father.”
Some other things you might want to know: There are no chapters and no “Parts”. There are only page breaks. While Jo is the narrator, occasionally Samuel will briefly interlude as if speaking to Jo; Samuel’s thoughts are in italics. There are vivid descriptions of Montana, meaning at different parts in the story there are several paragraphs devoted to describing this setting. There is a considerable amount of dialogue centered around God and theology.
Eden Mine is S.M. Hulse’s second novel. Read Publisher’s Weekly review of Eden Mine.
Read Boston Globe’s review of S.M. Hulse debut novel, Black River.
S.M. Hulse’s debut novel Black River was the winner of the 2015 Reading the West Book Award, a 2016 PEN/Hemingway Finalist, an Amazon Best Book of the Month, and an Indie Next List Pick.
Visit S.M. Hulse’s website to learn more about her books and awards.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of Eden Mine. Opinions are my own.