A touching novel of small town America

 

5 stars

A stunning achievement, Buckeye is easily one of the most emotional and touching books I have read this year. As I wipe away my tears, I am left with a feeling of awe for the time scale and depth conveyed within this tumultuous multi-generational novel.

Spanning from World War II to the Vietnam War, small town America is the backdrop for this generous and realistic view of humanity within the scope of four main characters - Cal, Becky, Felix and Margaret. Their lives gently unfold, develop and intertwine through some of the most difficult and trying times of the modern age. They each live, love, make mistakes and try to do the best they can with the circumstances and time allotted to them. Written as a warm embrace, it is easy to love each of them for their faults and strengths. Cal was born with leg length discrepancy so is not accepted into the Army as he tries to enlist. This makes him one of a handful of young men left in Bonhomie, Ohio during the course of WWII. Becky is a girl he went to school with. She is kind and  possesses a unique ability that sets her apart from her peers. Felix is the gorgeous, all American boy who goes off to war and finds himself irrevocably changed by the experience. Margaret was raised in an orphanage and sows her wild oats in Columbus, the big city, as she stretches her wings to find her way in life. As I said, each character is utterly dear to the reader and as they grown, make adult choices and missteps, we are with them hoping for the best. 

As tender as the story is, it is also a wry ode to the beauty and humour of small town life and the array of characters who people it. There are plenty of laughs as we see the town and its community change over the years with a wide supporting cast adding a great deal of colour to this rich tapestry. These feel like people the reader easily recognises as neighbours and friends we ourselves know so well.

Buckeye is a rare jewel that delivers an emotional punch and appreciation for the unique beauty each life is granted. I feel honoured to have spent my time with these people at this unparalleled time in American history.