First Consumer Review of Skookum Man

This book is set in a Hudson’s Bay Company outpost, the Pacific Northwest, circa 1810.
What happens? … men and women from divergent worlds meet in an Arden-like forest. In those strange woods the reader is introduced to: wood-wise ingénues, confused men, matronly women, clever animals, and assorted asses and fools. The introductions are lovingly conducted by a benign narrative presence.
That’s a happy beginning- but as the story progresses…. The benign presence becomes somewhat sinister. The wood-wise ingénues lose their wisdom; the confused men become calculating; and the outpost seems to contract into itself. As in many fairy tales, the story’s conclusion is uncertain and … disturbing(?)
This is a fairy tale with a modern edge – a romantic speculation – a speculative history. The book’s airy structure and modern references contribute to its bouncy, tale-like mood. Looking for something a bit different? --- try Skookum Man
A Skookum Man reader