‘Salt Bones’ by Jennifer Givhan; Little, Brown; 384 pages; $29
The toxicity of the land surrounding moribund El Valle on the edge of the Salton Sea flows into the relationships of family, friends and neighbors who live in the area on the California/Mexican border in Jennifer Givhan’s outstanding “Salt Bones.”
It works well as a story of family drama, revenge, compromise, folklore, loss and limitations. It is both a novel about hopelessness and hope, as Givhan moves her characters on a journey of self-realization and anticipation of the future. Givhan also works in a look at Mexican and indigenous cultures.
Malamar “Mal” Veracruz always wanted to leave El Valle but never could quite make that leap. Here is where she raised her two daughters, where parents and extended family live. And here is where her teenage sister went missing years ago. The police did little to help, believing the Mexican American teenager was “loose,” perhaps leaving with a boyfriend.
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Through the years, Mal has endured her mother’s inexplicable loathing toward her and her younger brother, Benny, who was born the night her sister vanished. Her mother’s disdain makes Mal even more determined to protect her daughters, to give them goals beyond the area. Her sister’s disappearance has always weighed on Mal but lately even more so. Mal’s recent dreams about the legend of a horse-headed woman intensify when another girl vanishes.
Givhan’s strong storytelling and affinity at creating a complete world shine in “Salt Bones.”
Archer Sullivan’s series debut takes a deep look at small-town secrets, isolated people and folklore. (Matt Kallish/Courtesy)
‘The Witch’s Orchard’ by Archer Sullivan; Minotaur; 320 pages; $28
Mountain people have their own ways and culture, hanging onto old traditions and how they speak, as Archer Sullivan persuasively shows in “The Witch’s Orchard.”
This series debut takes a deep look at small-town secrets, isolated people and folklore helmed by the insightful private investigator Annie Gore, who “gets” these mountain people quite well as she grew up among them.
Ten years ago, three girls younger than 6 vanished weeks apart in broad daylight from the Appalachian town of Quartz Creek, North Carolina, “a little run-down mountain town.” One child, Olivia, came back but was nonverbal, so she was unable to say where she had been or with whom.
Max Andrews was 8 years old when his 4-year-old sister, Molly, was taken from their home while he was in the middle of a piano lesson and their mother was gardening. The disappearances affected all the families, but especially Max’s family. Three years later, Max’s mother killed herself; his father got rid of most furniture and personal items in the house. He now seldom sleeps there.
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Max has never been able to move forward. Now 18, he still lives in the family home and keeps a thick scrapbook of the disappearances. He tries to ignore the numerous college acceptance letters he’s received, most of which are offering a full scholarship. Through the years, Max has saved his allowance and money from odd jobs to hire a private investigator to find Molly.
Annie, a former Air Force special investigator, tells Max she doubts she will discover what happened to Molly. But he insists. Annie’s presence seems to draw out secrets as she tries to earn the trust of the residents.
Sullivan delivers a complete representation of the North Carolina region as well as the insular town’s myths and struggles. The author overlays the bleak downtown’s empty storefronts, the rundown houses and harsh economics with the landscape’s sheer beauty.
Annie makes a formidable heroine with her rough childhood and military background combined to shape her. Her intelligence and insight shine in “The Witch’s Orchard.” A sequel would be most welcomed.
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