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A review by book_concierge
Brown Bottle by Sheldon Lee Compton
2.0
2.5**
From the back cover - Wade “Brown Bottle” Taylor is an alcoholic uncle trying to protect his nephew Nick from the hardness of their region, Eastern Kentucky, and the world in general. To end Nick’s involvement with drugs and drug dealers, Brown must first save himself, overcoming a lifetime spent convinced he is unworthy. Brown Bottle’ journey is one of selflessness and love, redemption and sacrifice, if only for a time.
My reactions
I received this book from the publisher with a commitment to read, comment and participate in an on-line book chat with the author.
Compton writes a gritty, no-holds-barred tale of a man struggling to do what is right. Brown’s sister has abandoned her son, Nick, and Brown tries his best to raise the boy, but Nick is in the grips of drugs and drug dealers. Brown recognizes the signs of despair and hopelessness in his nephew – he should, he lives in despair himself.
Compton is best known for his short stories; this is his first full-length novel. His ability with the short-story format shows in his writing. There are several vignettes that would make great short stories all by themselves – Brown’s “relationship” with Blair for example, or how Mrs Bell gets addicted to painkillers. If there is a failing in this novel it’s that sometimes Compton fails to adequately weave the vignettes together. The novel is only 164 pages long, and could have used more connective tissue.
From the back cover - Wade “Brown Bottle” Taylor is an alcoholic uncle trying to protect his nephew Nick from the hardness of their region, Eastern Kentucky, and the world in general. To end Nick’s involvement with drugs and drug dealers, Brown must first save himself, overcoming a lifetime spent convinced he is unworthy. Brown Bottle’ journey is one of selflessness and love, redemption and sacrifice, if only for a time.
My reactions
I received this book from the publisher with a commitment to read, comment and participate in an on-line book chat with the author.
Compton writes a gritty, no-holds-barred tale of a man struggling to do what is right. Brown’s sister has abandoned her son, Nick, and Brown tries his best to raise the boy, but Nick is in the grips of drugs and drug dealers. Brown recognizes the signs of despair and hopelessness in his nephew – he should, he lives in despair himself.
Compton is best known for his short stories; this is his first full-length novel. His ability with the short-story format shows in his writing. There are several vignettes that would make great short stories all by themselves – Brown’s “relationship” with Blair for example, or how Mrs Bell gets addicted to painkillers. If there is a failing in this novel it’s that sometimes Compton fails to adequately weave the vignettes together. The novel is only 164 pages long, and could have used more connective tissue.