Sarah Stonich has crafted a vivid small town in Hatchet Inlet, the rural Minnesota setting for this quiet, melancholy story. It's told from several perspectives from connected individuals who, while happy and approaching new personal joys- Pete is relatively newly sober, and his widowed father Alpo is about to marry Sissy- are still dealing with personal grieving, as well as some collective town sadness, as well as speculation about the whereabouts of a somewhat reclusive local.
The story picks up a great deal in the second half, but the first half felt very slow. Part of this may be due to the fact that this is the second book of a series and I haven't read the first, so perhaps those who are already familiar with the characters or town would feel more invested at the beginning. However, the last chapters and ending were satisfying and moving. Recommended for those who appreciate literary small town stories.
The story picks up a great deal in the second half, but the first half felt very slow. Part of this may be due to the fact that this is the second book of a series and I haven't read the first, so perhaps those who are already familiar with the characters or town would feel more invested at the beginning. However, the last chapters and ending were satisfying and moving. Recommended for those who appreciate literary small town stories.