1985 Sand Valley, Alabama, was protected by the capable policing capabilities of its native son, Wendell Blackmon. The fines he levied were adjudicated by the County Probate Judge, Reva, who happens to be his wife. They met in Seattle during World War II, Reva had lost her parents after they left the dust bowl of Oklahoma and was working in the Naval Shipyard repairing damaged ships; Wendell had escaped an abusive father to the United States Navy. Their life, from meeting in 1943 to 1985, is a story worth telling and is told via flashbacks in the pages of this second novel of a rising star in Southern Fiction. The action of the book takes place in less than two weeks but the lives of these two “eternal lovers” are shown in great detail thanks to the backstory so liberally told. The pain both have suffered prepared each to meet the other when the world was on the verge of being destroyed. Everyone Reva had ever loved – her parents, first husband, best friends – had all died suddenly. Wendell was glad to find the safety of a war to protect him from a mean, vicious father and was not looking for another close relationship. Their love saw them through the pain of multiple losses, a cross county relocation and careers neither of them planned to pursue (she became Probate Judge “temporarily” that lasted 10 years). What happened at Sorrow Wood would come to determine what their years together meant as well as answer questions neither expected ever to be revealed. The reader gets to experience superb writing, witty banter, a decent mystery and a trip into the private world of two people doing life. The major theme of the book is the never ending circle of life. People die (a GREAT many die in the passage of time detailed in this story), new lives evolve, careers are created, life’s work ends, random irrational acts cause confusion, simple events solve huge problems - all emerge to reveal a common existence shared by all. Reva’s acceptance of reincarnation and Wendell’s love of Reva only magnify the idea of Karma and balance introduced early in the book. The writer is a Southern Author; therefore religion is a must in his writing. Although many of the deaths are sad (none are overly graphic in their depiction) the book maintains an optimistic feel throughout. There is much use of “coarse” language and some of the characters partake in activities Mr. Atkins humor, particular worldview and ability to see reality then relate what he sees makes what could be a depressing novel into a story of hope. I read this book years ago and can't figure out why I hadn't reviewed it except it was probably my pre-goodreads days. Seeing it on Amazon free kindle triggered it for me.I absolutely loved this book. Everything about this book was downright creepy from the setting (Alabama backwoods) to the characters (note setting) to the storyline. The author was really able to weave a fantastic whodunit from a list of multiple couldhavedunit characters. I actually downloaded this book for free, even though I had read it because this is one given the time period, I would easily take the time to reread all 400 pages!
What do You think about Sorrow Wood (2009)?
Got this as a Kindle freebie. It was an excellent book. I really enjoyed the read.
—Ronda
Better than Front Porch Prophet! Southern humor, mystery and love story in one.
—Maxypoo43
Blind-sided! That's what I was with this book. Liked it a lot.
—Ashley
Loved this book and want to read more by Atkins!
—katblanc
