Customer Reviews

Dogwood

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

It has been twelve years since Will Hatfield was sentenced to Clarkeston Federal prison, but he is about to be released in two months. He has a great desire to see the family farm in Dogwood, West Virginia and Karin the only woman h ever loved. When he went to prison, she never answered his letters as she made a new life for herself in a passionless marriage with three children she adores.

When Will comes home, he is not greeted like the prodigal son as most locals believe he should have spent his life in prison for his crimes; even his brother would be happier if he left. The family has been dragged through the sewage due to Will's DUI vehicular homicide of two innocent girls. He is attacked at the place he used to work and the town tries to take the farm away from him due to eminent domain. Karin is coming to learn the truth ABOUT THE SACRIFICE Will made for her.

On the surface DOGWOOD seems like a straight line story with Danny the brother of the dead sisters receiving counseling because he blames himself for their deaths. Karin tries to be happy in her situation while Will shows patience as he waits for Karin to realize the truth. None of the peoples' stories are quite what they appear as the revelations are quite shocking. Chris Fabry has written a heart wrenching character driven tale as each of the key players feels guilt while praying for redemption and a fresh start.

Harriet Klausner

I picked up Dogwood yesterday, and pretty much didn't (couldn't) put it down until I finished this afternoon.

Fabry's writing had me from the first page. I love his wit - not too in-your-face; just enough to keep me smiling throughout. His use of metaphor is flawless. His character development was rich. His theological content was deep without being preachy. And His twists caught me at the end.

Honestly, it isn't the type of book I typically read. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it cover-to-cover. There was a depth, a sweetness, and (for lack of a better term) a melancholy that drew me in and wouldn't let go. Fabulous book!

It is sad that anyone would read Dogwood by Chris Fabry and refer to it as a Christian novel and that therefore they found it hard to read. Individuals with that reaction are very much the same people that the story talks about, the members of the Christian church that rejects the returning convict without knowing the whole story or members of a community who do not want foreign elements coming back like a cancer, ignoring the cancers right before their very eyes. If that is an indictment of the readers, I must apologize because Will Hatfield, Chris Fabry's protagonist, does not recent the anger he encounters, but rather understands and empathizes with it, while at the same time refusing to accept it. This novel, unlike so many previous "Christian novels" deals with the real world in real world terms that some might find offensive. I did not. Quite the contrary. I found Fabrey's way of handling the realities of life honest and at times lyric, which is what makes it something special.
This is a story of love, of faith, of true sacrifice. It may indeed be pushing it a bit to put this novel on the level of allegory, yet there are parallels between Will Hatfield and Tom Joad, Steinbeck's hero from The Grapes of Wrath. I found it hard to put this novel down, and when I finally got to the weekend and didn't have to put it down, I didn't! I am very proud to see Tyndale publish a novel of this magnitude. I am exceptionally impressed with Chris Fabry's first attempt at an "adult" novel, and I look forward to many more. Anyone wanting a dynamic, powerful, moving novel to read has to pick up Dogwood and read it on its own terms. I am sure that you will not be disappointed.

This is one of those books that, after you finish it, you can't decide if you hated it or loved it. It was way too wordy for me, but actually a pretty good story, all in all, up until the last part. Honestly, I hated the ending. I know that a lot of people who reviewed it said that they loved it and especially the ending, but it felt like I'd been tricked, twice, and I didn't really like that. I don't mind a surprise ending, but I hate having everything changed at the last minute and hate even more having everything changed a second time at the last minute. So, it was okay; that's all. I usually judge books by whether or not I'll want to read them again and again. I might read this one another time, just to get it straight in my mind with all the facts uncovered, but I don't think I'd ever read it a third time. Still, a lot of people will like it and the ending could be called very clever.

I have to be careful in my review not to give too much away... this is a good book with lots of twists and turns that are best enjoyed curled up in bed frantically turning pages toward the end as everything starts to come out and be explained in a frenzy...


Dogwood has 3 parts to it. The first part was a little confusing for me - each chapter throughout the book is written from the viewpoint of one of four people. It took me awhile to grasp that and get them all straightened out in my mind. The other confusing thing was that the tragedy that is the center of everything is kept secret for pretty much the whole first part and I couldn't figure out why it was such a secret. Also the town of Dogwood shows itself to have no forgiveness for an accident and I wasn't sure out where the maliciousness came from, I mean being upset is one thing but sheer hatred is another.


Those minor things aside - this was a great book! I figured a few of the twists and turns out before the end, but Chris managed to blow my mind with the last chapter. Overall I was very impressed with this book - I loved the mentorship between Ruthie and Karin - we all need someone in our lives like Ruthie but so few of us have that. And all I can say about one of my other favorite parts is that Chris does a great job of showing the love of the Saviour in this book - you'll have to read it to fully understand what I mean.

This book is so fantastic. I was torn between reading slowly to savor the story, and reading quickly to see what was going to happen next.

Reading quickly won out. I chose to read Dogwood rather than watch WVU play UNC in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Now I must tell you that it is the ultimate compliment that I willingly ignored any WVU game, much less a WVU bowl game!

I loved the fact that the author gave me just enough clues to keep me very interested and wondering what the mystery was without giving it away till the END. I can't remember the last time I was ever more surprised with an ending!

Now that I've read Dogwood quickly I plan to go back and savor the story more and come to know Will and Karin even better. I doubt the second reading will be my last.

Congratulations Chris on your first adult novel. May there be many more.

I read many, many books a month, but this HAS to be the best I've read this year. It will have you sitting on the edge of your seat throughout, and I defy anyone to guess the twists that come at the end.

Altho' this is listed as Christian Fiction, don't let the non-religious amongst you be put off. This is more a book about human characteristics/emotions i.e forgiveness, retribution, sacrifice,greed,love etc etc.
Read this book. It will stay with you for a long time after readng the final page.

I brought an advanced readers copy of this book back from ICRS (the International Christian Retail Show)along with a dozen other books. Knowing that I wasn't going to read it anytime soon, I gave members of my writers group the opportunity to read it first. The first person to grab the book was an 83 year old lady. She brought it back the next week, refusing to tell us anything about the book other than she loved it. Next a much younger person took it home and returned it with rave reviews, but she also refused to even give us a brief synopsis. Not being able to stand the intrigue anymore I snatched my book back and read over the next few days. Now I understand their enthusiasm and closed mouths. The plot twists are wonderful. I give this book 5 stars, but you'll have to read it to find out why!

Chris Fabry's debut adult novel, Dogwood, is a mosaic of humanity, God's grace and the power of love.

Solidly literary fiction with deep, flawed characters and beautiful prose, Dogwood also contains a mystery within the story that adds tension and a deepening plot. Twists and turns fill this multi-first-person POV novel.

The spiritual elements run deep and into moments that teach, however, the characters who do the teaching end up being so compelling that it doesn't feel preachy, but instead feels like wisdom that needs to be savored and pondered and maybe even considered in the life of the reader.

Sensitive readers may want to use caution because the themes in this book are PG-13 and intense.

Days after finishing the story I'm still mulling over and wondering how I feel about situations and information that I was given in my journey to Dogwood. Haunting may be too strong, but I think there will be a shadow that follows me for awhile as I continue to process what I've read.

Even though the characters had great depth, I struggled with finding sympathy or even like for a main character. But I think this is a back-handed compliment because that means this paper and ink "person" got under my skin.

Those who love literary or general fiction, especially the stories that are infused with a touch from God, may find Dogwood to be a very satisfying read. Fabry is a wordsmith and quite a storyteller. I'm looking forward to his next novel.

Will Hatfield is returning to Dogwood intent on making his dreams a reality, after paying his debt to society with 12 years in Clarkston Prison. A house up the hill on his parents property and a life with Karin, the one love of his life. Will discovers many obstacles to the contented life he has spent his years in prison dreaming of. The people of Dogwood want him gone. To leave town or even dead would suit them just fine. The one or two people willing to give him a second chance are no match for the tide of opinion.

Karin has moved on with her life. Three children and married to the Pastor, she has settled for safe and faithful rather than a life driven by her youthful dreams and passions. Karin isolates herself in the life she has created, trying to escape the guilt that burdens her.

Ruthie Bowles is the one woman who can get to the truth of Karin's burden and help her heal. The old wiry wizened woman sets off the healing Karin needs and is the one in whom Will confides his tragic secret.

Chris Fabry is a gifted wordsmith, penning this heart wrenching tale with great skill. He has a beautifully descriptive style with well developed characters and plot.

`Dogwood' is written in the first person, with one character per chapter. While I struggle to get my head around this format each time I encounter it, experience has taught me these novels are worthwhile persisting with. `Dogwood' was certainly worth the perseverance that the early chapters required of me. Chris tackles issues such as second chances after prison, forgiveness and healing, wrapping them up within the tale of each character and making them tangible and real to the reader.

The issues and circumstances that Will faces are heartbreaking and tragic. His path is an uphill battle. And yet, he sets about reclaiming his life quietly, one step at a time. His determination and perspective is inspiring. He goes out of his way not to upset those who would see him shot dead in the blink of an eye, and yet the townsfolk are not content to let him be.

Karin's story seems simple and straightforward but Chris has left the most revealing secrets until the very final pages of `Dogwood'. For Karin, nothing is as it seems. Her bland passionless existence is the clue I completely missed.

Chris Fabry's debut into adult fiction deserves a place on every bookshelf.

Reviewed by Tracy @ RelzReviewz