Reviewer comments – Timber, Logging & Lumber Stories
Jim Kissane’s latest work is a rich tapestry of historical fiction that weaves together multiple narratives spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the American lumber industry. The writing style employed throughout the work is both engaging and varied, adapting to suit the different stories and perspectives presented.
Kissane demonstrates a remarkable ability to shift between narrative voices and tones. The work begins with a more traditional third-person omniscient narration, providing a sweeping overview of the lumber industry’s development. As the stories progress, we see a transition to more intimate, character-driven narratives that bring the historical figures to life.
One of the most striking aspects of Kissane’s writing is his attention to sensory detail. Throughout the work, he vividly describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the lumber camps and mills, immersing the reader in the historical setting. This sensory-rich prose is particularly evident in sections like “The Journey from Forest to Merchant” and “The Turpentine King of Pasco,” where the reader can almost smell the pine sap and hear the saws cutting through timber.
Kissane’s use of dialogue is another strong point. He skillfully employs period-appropriate language and colloquialisms to bring authenticity to his characters’ voices. This is particularly effective in sections like “Dolbeer’s Donkey” and “The Big Boom,” where the dialogue helps to establish the characters’ personalities and backgrounds.
The author also demonstrates versatility in his narrative structure. While most of the work follows a chronological progression, Kissane occasionally employs flashbacks and parallel narratives to add depth to his stories. This is exemplified in “The Machine That Changed Everything,” where he interweaves the personal story of George E. Soulé with the broader narrative of technological advancement in the lumber industry.
Perhaps the most unique and emotionally resonant section of the work is “Maude’s Life,” written from the perspective of a logging mule. This first-person narrative showcases Kissane’s ability to adopt an unconventional viewpoint, bringing empathy and depth to an often-overlooked aspect of logging history.
Throughout the work, Kissane maintains a balance between factual historical information and engaging storytelling. He seamlessly integrates technical details about logging practices and machinery with human interest stories, creating a work that is both informative and emotionally compelling.
In conclusion, Jim Kissane’s latest work demonstrates a mature and versatile writing style that effectively brings to life the complex history of the American lumber industry. His ability to shift between different narrative voices, his attention to sensory detail, and his skill in balancing historical fact with engaging storytelling make this a noteworthy contribution to the genre of historical fiction.