Bright’s Passage, the first novel from the very dear, very talented Mr. Josh Ritter, is now out in paperback. Here’s a reprise of Hoyt’s review from last summer when the hardcover edition first hit shelves:
“As we follow young Henry across a burning West Virginia, we find Josh Ritter doing what he does best. As an accomplished singer/songwriter, Ritter is no stranger to the art of storytelling. Songs like “The Temptation of Adam” speak volumes of his ability. So it should come as no surprise that his debut novel holds such promise. At a little under 200 pages, Bright’s Passage manages to do a great many things with very little. It has the feel of an old southern fable, a story told around a campfire in the night. There’s something powerful in that simplicity, something confident in its telling. Josh Ritter does well to remind us of the power of great storytelling, and reminding us again would not be a shame.”
As Hoyt pointed out, Josh Ritter is a born storyteller and his natural grace with words serves him well as he unfurls Henry Bright’s post-World War odyssey. This book is a sure bet for book clubs that enjoy historical fiction and fine, lyrical prose.
We highly recommend you toss Bright’s Passage in your bag this summer. And don’t be surprised when you find yourself passing it around to friends, either, it’s that kind of book. Also don’t be surprised when you find yourself picking up the latest Ritter album, So Runs the World Away. The album and novel make fine companions, just like summer and reading.
BookPeople 