Saturday 5 October 2013

Progeny by Patrick C. Greene


Centred around two families this is the tale of Big Foot - no spoilers there if you read the blurb. Patrick C. Greene has certainly delivered another spot on story.

Owen, the famed author, and his son Chuck are trying to rebuild a shattered relationship post a messy divorce, this side issue is touched on briefly but with such tenderness that you feel for all parties concerned, especially when I learnt about the catalyst later in the book. 

In almost a juxtaposition is sensitive Byron and his overbearing, outdoorsy self professed "radical", father Zane, with his posse - so reminiscent of the Red Necks that 'merica is famed for! did I hear bangos? not quite, but his attitude to life, animals, hunting and child rearing are poor (IMO). However, he too is given some caring moments that do allow for wiggle room in the total dislike.

Throughout the book are small journal entries from the previous summer up until the present. This is a brilliant touch as it allows for tension to build whilst unfolding a little back story in small snippets, not quite giving the game away in one chunk.

Women are present in the book, and are fairly strong influences but only on the periphery of the story. They do lend some extra tenderness to the whole story, I especially enjoyed the breakfast scene with Deanna and how manipulative kids can be!

As the two men clash over several days and the "right" to hunt on certain parts of land, the pressure builds between the two men. 
Nevertheless, when their sons meet it is practically a magical moment, one I could almost touch from my own childhood. 

I have never been a fan of scary Big Foot stories as I always tend to think of Harry & The Hendersons, but this comes with fur, blood, teeth and lots of limb ripping.  Although during the hunter vs Big Foot chase I was routing for Big Foot!

I could feel a gentle poke of morality in the telling and slant of the book, but as I also carry the same views re animals, hunting etc I enjoyed it and got angry in the appropriate places. 

The climax is riveting and the ending, wrap up chapter, was very satisfying - the outcome can only go one of two ways, you will have to read the book to find out!

I have to comment on how beautifully edited this was, not something you overtly look for in a book, but when its bad its very distracting, this however was wonderful, not a comma out of place.




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