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In BURN, Peter Heller wraps his characters in a dystopian world that has them completely unsure of anyone else's motives, but very sure that they are in mortal danger. Jess and Storey are old friends who have gone hunting together in rural Maine for years. This year, when they decide to switch locations after a week or so, they emerge from the forest to find total destruction in every town they pass. Cell phone service is completely dead, and no one seems to be living to be able to tell them what is happening. They move somewhat carefully until events conspire to make it clear that a much more circumspect presence is in order. The sense of disorientation and danger is palpable, made all the more so because they can't figure out what is going on.
Eventually the men come to an odd amusement park sort of town where they pick up enough hints and information to have a better idea of the events taking place, and where they rescue a five- year- old girl. The three of them move across the blasted land, attempting to remain safe (or at least alive) while they look for Collie's parents and escape from the hellish world they've entered. The book is told from Jess' point of view, and it is highly introspective. As new dangers are uncovered, Jess reflects upon how his life intersected with Storey and his family, and the meaning of his earlier experiences informs his actions throughout the novel.
As in all of his previous books, Heller's writing about nature is evocative, atmospheric, and beautiful. His characters are deeply developed, and his plot complex. For those who want non-stop action and a clean drawing together of plot threads to a complete resolution, this book may feel slow because of the alternating chapters dealing with the men's past and the open ending. However, those who appreciate the beauty of the writing that adds depth and dimension to the plot, characters, and setting will allow Heller to take them into the world he's made whole. Life isn't a direct path between points and Heller helps the reader see how the events of the world can be completely compelling in spite of being not wholly understood.
I have enjoyed every book Heller has written, and I look forward to each new one. Heller only infrequently revisits the same world, and I am amazed at his ability to bring each new concept to life so fully. This book is so beautifully written that I may just find myself breaking my own rule and rereading it before he brings us his next. If you haven't read Heller before, then this is a treat. But that could be said of all of his books. This may be the best book I've read this year and I highly recommend it.
§ Sharon Mensing, retired educational leader, lives, reads, and enjoys the outdoors in Arizona.
Reviewed by Sharon Mensing, August 2024
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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