Customer Reviews

Edson

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I loved this book. Like Morrisey's carefully crafted songs, the books expands the low key events in a small New England mill town until they feel as important to the reader as they are to the characters. Those looking for high adventure or unlikely plot twists should look elsewhere; This book is for those who love a simple tale-well-told. I can't wait until he tosses his hat in again with another book.

This is Bill Morrissey's first attempt at writing a book. He's been writing songs that go straight into the lonliness of contemporary America with great wit and magnificent turns of a phrase. Now, this book can take you deep into the heart of a man who needs the distance of a guitar and a few drinks to actually get closer to himself. Set in a dying New Hampshire mill town, EDSON plays itself out almost autobiographically. The characters were vibrant and distinct for a short book and the mise-en-scene could send you running for a bourbon. But the tender quality and underlying sense of hope prevails and in the end, you are left with wanting more, just like any Bill Morrissey song. Highly recommended.

I'm a big fan of Bill Morrissey's songs and if you are too, you might want to read this book. The settings and characters will seem familiar to any Bill Morrissey fan from listening to his songs.

I've read at least one review here that is critical of the book, and I can understand why. It was his first and only novel so far as I know and I'm not sure it stands on its own independently from his songs, but if you know and like his songs there is probably something here for you to like. Just as I think there is a lot of Bill Morrissey in his songs, I think the book gives a bit of insight into his life and with his unfortunate passing in 2011 this might be a fan's last best chance to learn a little more about him.

I enjoyed this book. Considering Bill's often depressing songs, I was expecting to find this story depressing, but was surprised by the hopefulness in it.

As a casual fan of Bill Morrissey, I heard him perform in person a couple of times, most recently in 2010. His thoughtful music and lyrics were well appreciated. I just read Edson and found it heartwarming and relaxing, and just a darn good read. Just like he was a just a darn good folk singer-songwriter. Born and raised in New Hampshire myself, the novel attracted me and it didn't disappoint. This is a good read folks.

I read this book over the course of a snowy new england weekend. I felt
like I knew everyone in the book. I didn't want it end. Bill is about
to publish another soon. It's a shame we've had to wait 13 years for another story by this master storyteller. His songs are short stories,
this book is one bloody great one.

Morrissey, who gave us new ways to see things through song (listen to "Dance the Grizzly Bear" sometime) moves seamlessly from guitar to page. His novel emphasizes character development and setting; plot comes a long way last, but at the end I didn't care about that -- what I did care about was what would happen to his characters. Dare we hope for a sequel? It's hard to ask more of a novelist.

Bill Morrissey's first book is a lot like his songs, realistic , containing many readily identifiable characters. The story is autobiographical to a large extent and depicts the everyday struggles of life very well. Edson must have the highest per capita consumption of tobacco in the USA. Barely a page passes without someone buying, lighting, begging, trying to start or stop smoking a cigarette.

After seeing Bill Morrissey perform at a small club in New York, I couldn't wait to read his novel. What a time waster! Flat, one-dimensional characters with little to say in a town where nothing much happens. If there's a story line here, I missed it! Dialogue is inane, with an over-abundance of women who sigh, "Oh, Henry...," at the protagonist.