A third of Vermont's farms are being squeezed out of business, and enigmatic farmer Vernon Nowle is found shot dead. The police assume the fatal wound was self-inflicted, but was it really suicide? Rooted in the austere beauty of New England, "Nowle's Passing" unravels its mystery and characters with dazzling skill and genuine heart.
Forbes has lived in Vermont for a long time and (in my opinion) really gets both the daily textures and rhythms of rural life and rural relationships. This book isn't a whodunit in the traditional sense. Instead, Forbes examines the real whodunits in all our lives, and most especially those in women's lives: How did I become this person I am? What have my choices led me to? And, most importantly, Now what?
This story kept my interest til the last page
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
So many angles to view this story from. As I was reading, I just KNEW who really killed Vincie's father/the hard working farmer. And then I started realizing it wasn't that person but I was then thinking: PLEASE DON'T BE THIS PERSON! And the anguish that pour Vincie was going though wondering why and who could have done this. The descriptive writing about the Vermont area with the die-hard working families and how stern our ancestors were. It's easy to see my predescessors in these hardworking, serious people. I loved this book and recommend it to all.
Beautiful tale of forgiveness, responsibility and growth.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Between the masterful descriptions of the struggles of the independent farmer and the subtle mystery of the death of one such farmer, Forbes weaves a beautiful tale of a woman who comes to terms with self-imposed limitations and the possibilities of liberation. I loved everything about this book, including the fact that it doesn't try to resolve all the questions that it raises.
The trap of strength and advantages of weakness
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 28 years ago
Edith Forbes has done it again with this story where the characters fail due to their strengths and durable happiness grows from weakness. Stoic righteousness and intellectual power and wealth culminate in failure while uncertainty and acquiescence result in satisfaction and hope. This book taught me to examine my certainty and power as potential threats to myself. The long term value of my weaknesses are getting a second look for potential value
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