Far Bright Star by Robert Olmstead
Robert Olmstead’s “Far Bright Star” is a bleak novel of the terrors of war.
Napolean is a veteran soldier who has seen action in many different places and is now stationed in Mexico in the search for Pancho Villa. When one of the men under his command commits a terrible act, Napoleon and his men learn just how terrifying war can be.
“Far Bright Star” is very well done. The language was evocative and I could see Napoleon’s surroundings in my mind’s eye, feel the alternating heat and cold of the desert. In addition, I could truly feel the hopelessness of Napoleon’s position. Much of what happened in this book made me cringe and made me dispair of war.
Honestly, this wasn’t the kind of book I really enjoy. The sparse prose isn’t really my sort of thing. However, I was able to appreciate the good story that Olmstead crafted and and the fact that this novel really was very well done. If the spare, stark style is one you enjoy, definitely consider picking up “Far Bright Star.”
Buy this book from:
Powells.
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound.
Amazon.
Short and to the point. I like that. I’ll probably pass on the book though as I don’t care for sparse either.
Ti’s last blog post..Review: The Middle Place
It sounds like something that would be good for me, rather than enjoyable. I’m glad to know it is out there, but I think I’ll also skip this one.
Laura’s last blog post..Technical difficulties: Hot Blooded by Lisa Jackson
I don’t mind sparse prose – not sure if the topic interests me, though.
I’m not much for spare prose or war books so this might be a tough read for me. I still haven’t read The Road for much the same reason, though it is sitting on my shelf now.
Nicole’s last blog post..The Convenient Marriage, by Georgette Heyer
Excellent review and what a great way to express that it wasn’t your cup of tea but that someone who liked this style might find it to their liking!
Staci’s last blog post..Teaser Tuesdays and It’s Tuesday…..Where Are You?
I pretty much echo Kathy (BermudaOnion) — I’m just fine with spare and stark prose, but the topic doesn’t sound overly appealing.
Beth F’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday (May 27)
I think it sounds interesting. I can see it bing something that just sits on the shelf though because I’d always put it off, thinking I’m not in the right frame of mind for it. The Road has that spot at the moment!
jo’s last blog post..Booking Through Thursday-unread