Comment

Jun 17, 2014litriocht rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Marysville's denizens include traumatized Vietnam veterans, Doug Swieteck's troubled family, and several authority figures who have preconceived notions about what a hoodlum Doug must be. While Doug is very concerned with not seeming like a "chump" in his hard-knock life, his sensitivity begins to show as the plot progresses. The accelerated personal growth of characters nudge the book's style away from strict realism and toward a more exaggerated form of realistic historical fiction. This feature of the novel is ultimately a strength, though, as it allows for satisfying resolutions that ring true even as they stretch credibility. This is, simply put, a lovely read.