The dynamic between Joe Henry and Macgowan is messy in the best way. The fact that Joe Henry keeps getting pulled back into Macgowans orbit even knowing what he did to Jessica shows how hard it is to let go of old friendships, especially when theres that kind of history. The razor scene hit hard, that moment where threat and bravado blur together and Joe Henry realizes he's been making excuses for someone who's genuinely dangrous.
That's one of the things I really liked about this story. One of Tom's great strengths as a writer is following complicated, difficult characters very, very closely and letting that drive the story. This piece is a great example of that.
Next Wednesday, we'll also have an interview with Tom where we talk about the craft side of this in more detail. Based on your comment, I think you'll enjoy it!
The dynamic between Joe Henry and Macgowan is messy in the best way. The fact that Joe Henry keeps getting pulled back into Macgowans orbit even knowing what he did to Jessica shows how hard it is to let go of old friendships, especially when theres that kind of history. The razor scene hit hard, that moment where threat and bravado blur together and Joe Henry realizes he's been making excuses for someone who's genuinely dangrous.
That's one of the things I really liked about this story. One of Tom's great strengths as a writer is following complicated, difficult characters very, very closely and letting that drive the story. This piece is a great example of that.
Next Wednesday, we'll also have an interview with Tom where we talk about the craft side of this in more detail. Based on your comment, I think you'll enjoy it!
Thank you so much for reading.
Very good character writing. Reminds me of Russell Banks.
Thanks. I love his fiction. And Andre Dubus -- he also wrote that part of the country really well.
This was a great story, really enjoyed it. Thank you.
Thank you. Thanks for reading.