Saxton Reads! & Reviews

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AUGUST 8, 2011

Bright's Passage ~ Josh Ritter

Debut Author Josh Ritter believes angels are far from being benign characters. This might explain why he made an angel so much a character of his book, Bright's Passage. Michael Kindness of Books on the Nightstand raved about this book back in Episode 135, Writing So Good It Will Scare You". Michael described the plot as the story of Henry Bright who returns from World War I with an angel on his side. The opening scene begins with Henry holding his infant son, mourning the death of his wife, Rachel, who has died during childbirth. Father and son must leave their home to escape the revenge of his wife's father and two brothers who feel Henry stole their daughter/sister from them. Henry does flee with his son but not before he starts a fire that destroys his home and threatens life for miles around, a fire that he has been told to start by his angel. The story continues and moves rapidly as flashbacks fill in Henry's life during the war in France, and his childhood.

I think readers will each take something different from this story. For me, it is a story of faith and just who or what God is and what is the truth of angels. It comes in just under 200 pages, but packs so much into its brevity. It was a beautiful read with a story that will stay with me and a message to consider. The lyrical quality of the writing reminds me a bit of my feelings when reading Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier, though tighter and sparse.

Josh Ritter is a singer/songwriter in his own right. I am not familiar with his work but after reading Bright's Passage I'm eager to hear his vocal voice. I plan to listen to some of his songs soon.

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posted by arolK

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