Customer Reviews

The Sound of the Trees: A Novel

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

 

 

This is a replete tale. The world created is one so austere and beautiful in its sense of nature, that we feel almost like we are intruding, like setting foot into the wilderness for the first time. For all of its western themes and love of nature, this book is also deep because it explores several themes that one would not expect in a western novel with a male protagonist. The first is violence against women. Trude Mason and his mother set out to flee the wrathful hand of his father. The flashbacks are poignant and sharp. Set in the 1930's, it also gives us a feel for the powerlessness and desperation that would cause a son and his mother to flee into the stark wilderness to escape abuse. The second theme which is all the more profound because Gatewood does not dwell on it is that of race. Trude Mason, a young white man, comes across Delilah, a black girl, in the woods, herself abused, and falls into a long-distance attraction that propels the novel to its rivetting conclusion. Trude's morality, upon which he neither dwells nor preaches, gives him the eyes of the innocent, aware of the evils of the world, but not a part. It is this journey that so fascinates us. When I got to the end of the book, I spent several-day break before I could bring myself to read the last two chapters. I thought myself, "Well, you must be more deeply affected by this novel than you realized since you almost don't want to know how it comes out." The suspense is intense. Gatewood's rhythm and pacing are distinct and powerful. His minor characters from the doctor in the Masons' hometown, to Jane the waitress, to Trude's one friend John Frank, to the mayor and the thug Ralstons and well-drawn. The Indian woman who concludes the novel with the great moral about how we carry a person with us in our heart, and although grief can be like a spike in the heart, we learn to live and go on, is masterful. Take a walk into this wonderful world Gatewood has created; there is no need to intrude.

A great read. This book conveys tremendous detail of landscape and emotion using an economy of words. I have read several reviews of this book and almost every one compares this author to Cormac McCarthy. This comparison is warranted but also too narrow of a view. This author also employs a powerful and gripping writing style but clearly has his own voice and themes which he develops. Don't think because you have read McCarthy there is nothing new here.
This book is deserving of your time.

Very strong debut. Yes, the influence of Mr. McCarthy is all over this, but the author has a wonderful command of language that is distinct to that of McCarthy. He's maybe a little more readable while still being poetic and strongly evocative. I felt the story meandered a little bit, but on the other hand the ending was more satisfying than I expected. You head toward the climax really wondering which way the author is gonna take things and, fortunately, he provides an unexpected and reasonable outcome. Good stuff. I'd be happy to read his next one and hope he keeps at it.

This book definitely wins the I-can-write-like-Cormac-McCarthy contest. Filled with longing, discouragement, courage, and evocative imagery. The only thing missing is McCarthy's invented vocabulary. All that said, this unusual book places itself smack in the tradition of the lonesome cowboy not finding his happiness. Think Clint Eastwood with a wide open sensitive streak. If you long to get on a horse and wander out into the Western wilderness with only the sky and your equine companion, then hop on board this novel. It will evoke the hell out of every rocky crag and rippling stream along your way.

This new, soon-to-be-classic, coming of age story is sure to be a hit with all contemporary literature fans. Gatewood's command of the the English language evoke's memories of a young Hemingway. The descriptive prose employed along the inspired oddyssey of Trude Mason is sure to envelop all readers.

I came across a discarded copy of this book in my local library (the hardcover edition with the horse on it) for a buck and fell in love with this story. This is one of those rare books from a new author that really stuck with me. I looked up the author but he seems to have fallen away as a writer. I'd like to see more of his work.

Not sure why he disappeared because he's very good, despite a few odd phrases, but I like an author that takes chances. I've since picked up a better copy on eBay and read it again. I think the comparisons to McCarthy are understandable, but Gatewood is a very different writer. I suppose his publisher dropped him, but this is a good time to be an independent author and I hope Gatewood continues writing and publishing more engaging stories like this.

Freedom Rivers Books
A Death For Beauty or An Immortal
Of Honest Fame

It's very easy to compare a book to Cormac McCarthy simply because it's set in the southwest and has a horse. This book is much more. The language is better. The story more involved. The themes greater. It is an impressive debut. A great read and truly a wonderful book.