Author: Janis Owens
Title: American Ghost
Description: Sam
Lense is in the backwoods of the Florida Panhandle researching descendants of
Indian tribes, but he has a personal motive for being there as well. Once he
meets Jolee Hoyt, though, he’s mostly just falling in love. An ill-fated trip
to the Hoyts’ fishing camp leaves Sam fighting for his life back in Miami and
Jolee feeling bewildered and betrayed. They both put the time behind them until
the past insists on resurfacing yet again.
Plot: Some places
just don’t want outsiders and don’t want their secrets disturbed.
Characters: Jolee
is Owens’ masterpiece; she’s a smart, independent heroine born into a family
that sees women as servants in a town that no one ever escapes from. Sam can
appreciate this kind of woman, but he has to fight years of tradition.
Writing style: If
it’s nothing else, this is a Florida book, full of atmosphere, Cracker secrets,
and the ghosts of the past. In other words, it’s neither plot-driven nor
character-driven, but place-driven, which, if done well, can be the best of all.
Audience: This is
literary fiction, but it’s not a difficult read. It especially appealed to me
as someone with an interest in Florida literature, but I’d recommend for
anyone.
Wrap-up: I
haven’t read Swamplandia yet, but
this is my favorite Florida novel since Paradise Dogs. 4/5
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