I bought a copy of American Vineyard because I’d read a book of Vincent’s poetry and loved it, so I had to find out how his skill as a writer translated into novel form. This novel doesn’t disappoint, the story line is spot on, but the story is difficult emotionally to read. Still, I’m glad I read it, and the characters have lingered in my mind for days. This could be made into a movie or a series just like 13 Reasons.
It’s a coming of age tale set in 1982, of 6 junior high kids growing up in New Mexico. One of the boys, now an adult with a son of his own son, takes a trip back to New Mexico and sifts through his memories of a series of fateful encounters that led up to a tragedy that forever changed the future for all of them. Be warned: there is some violence, bullying, and language consistent with these types of difficult subjects. I’m giving American Vineyard 4 stars. ( )