Knockemstiff
A native of Knockemstiff, Ohio, Pollock delivers poignant and raunchy accounts of his hometown's sad and stagnant residents in his debut story collection that may remind readers of its thematic grand-daddy, Winesburg, Ohio. The works span 50 years of violence, failure, lust and depravity, featuring characters like Jake, an abandoned hermit who dodges the draft during WWII, lives in a bus and discovers two young siblings committing incest on the bank of a creek, and Bobby, a recovering alcoholic who must face the imminent death of his abusive father. The language and imagery of the novel are shockingly direct in detailing the pitiful lives of drug abusers, perverts and a forgotten population that just isn't much welcome nowhere in the world. Many of the characters appear in more than one story, providing a gritty depth to the whole, but the character that stands out the most is the town, as dismal and hopeless as the locals. Pollock is intimate with the grimy aspects of a small town (especially one named after a fistfight) full of poor, uneducated people without futures or knowledge of any other way to live. The most startling thing about these stories is they have an aura of truth. - Publishers Weekly
Comments
I grew up in Ohio, and felt attached to this book based on my knowledge of the state. And I was actually lucky enough to receive a copy of this book at the radio station I work at.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book. Each chapter follows a different character, with all of the story lines completely intertwined. There's a map of the town at the beginning of the book, which I found myself flipping back to. That feature adds so much to the book. I felt like I was a part of everything going on.
I'm really looking forward to more from Donald Ray Pollock. I'd highly suggest this to anybody, especially if you're down for a quick read.
i'm readin it right now, good so far
I just got this book. Have not started it yet but will tommrow.
Man is this one good.
Some of the best short stories I have read in a long time. Original stuff...
I want this damn book, grr.