Drought
In Scott Alexander Hess’s pastoral novel Drought, an isolated man inherits a farm and learns about the estranged relative who left it to him.
When Parnell, an aimless orphan, inherits a tobacco farm from his Uncle Willy, he moves to Kentucky. There, he meets a wacky preacher, John, with ties to his late uncle and a jovial fast-food employee, Darl, who becomes his closest friend. As Parnell grows closer to Darl, John makes a confession about Parnell’s uncle that shifts Parnell’s perspective in a radical way.
Parnell’s loneliness is palpable, and his childhood recollections are so traumatic that he replaces them with film scenes, adopting moments from beloved films as his own memories. His haunting isolation is interrupted by Darl’s enthusiasm, positive attitude, and welcoming nature, which allow Parnell to take hesitant first steps toward friendship. Strong sensory details vivify the setting, from descriptions of the farm to those of the Sonic where Darl works, which sticks out among the pastoral landmarks. This juxtaposition enhances the story, as Willy, Parnell, and Darl stick out, too.
Beginning in the present before shifting back to Willy’s life in the 1950s, Drought tells the story of two men separated by geography and generations while leading parallel lives. Both Parnell and Willy find solace in their relationships with other men, and the transitions from friendship to greater intimacy are smooth and natural. Willy’s romance is innocent and sweet despite harrowing circumstances, like a homophobic villain who is cruel and relentless. Through John’s connection to both timelines, Parnell contends with a dark choice Willy made to protect his lover.
Drought is an intricate, moving novel about a lonely farmer who wrestles with his uncle’s past and learns what it means to belong.
Reviewed by
Leah Block
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
