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Where Vultures Roost by Josh Stafford Reviews
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Review
by
CJ
Morace,
(author of 'Cocodrie' and 'Appalachia')
(author of 'Cocodrie' and 'Appalachia')
Where
Vultures
Roost
by
Josh
Stafford goes beyond the usual descriptions of
gripping and poignant. The story of a Joseph Lee reveals harsh truths
about a land that is particularly scarred by man's ugliest nature, from
the oppression of apartheid to ancient customs of the most bloody
nature, one can feel Africa's tears in this story. Mr. Stafford
introduces the reader to cultures that are resisting the blending the
future brings, cultures which we come to respect through his portrayal
of their customs. And it is true that Joseph Lee is, as Mr. Stafford
concludes, an everyman... someone who moves through the phases of his
life under our perusal... someone who, through the artistry of this
author, the reader can recognize in themselves. This is not a book just
to read... it deserves to be absorbed.....and will have its haunting
effect on all readers wise enough to select Where Vultures Roost. Five
Stars for sure.
Review
by
David
Compton,
(author of 'A Filthy Business' and 'Nexus')
(author of 'A Filthy Business' and 'Nexus')
Josh
Stafford
shows
himself
to
be a seasoned writer, even if this is his
first book. His style is comfortable, yet compelling. Beginning his
story with a child's birth, Mr. Stafford makes the reader immediately
curious about the child mixed parentage and his future, and almost at
once the reader becomes a participant in the narrative.
But a good novel also teaches us, and, as the story unfolds, we learn some of the history of a region we Americans know too little of and perhaps care too little about: Africa, and a topic wed rather ignore: racism. Its obvious that the author has done a good deal of research or has drawn heavily on his own experiences to make the novel as real as possible. And it is also through these details (aircraft operation, African wedding customs) that the reader is drawn even deeper into the narrative. In most cases, they are so skilfully woven in that the reader does not realize he is learning, be it about flying or another culture.
The details notwithstanding, this is also a story of a young man and the difficult decisions he faces; it is a story of a brutal, senseless crime, and of family solidarity. But more than that, its a novel about friendship.
This is not a passive tale; the reader will experience joy, despair and anger. There is also a strong spiritual aspect and a sense of hope at the end. By the time you put down the book, you may be wrung out emotionally. That's perhaps the most difficult part: putting it down.
Savor the experience while you're reading it. And afterwards, for it's going to stay with you for a long time.
But a good novel also teaches us, and, as the story unfolds, we learn some of the history of a region we Americans know too little of and perhaps care too little about: Africa, and a topic wed rather ignore: racism. Its obvious that the author has done a good deal of research or has drawn heavily on his own experiences to make the novel as real as possible. And it is also through these details (aircraft operation, African wedding customs) that the reader is drawn even deeper into the narrative. In most cases, they are so skilfully woven in that the reader does not realize he is learning, be it about flying or another culture.
The details notwithstanding, this is also a story of a young man and the difficult decisions he faces; it is a story of a brutal, senseless crime, and of family solidarity. But more than that, its a novel about friendship.
This is not a passive tale; the reader will experience joy, despair and anger. There is also a strong spiritual aspect and a sense of hope at the end. By the time you put down the book, you may be wrung out emotionally. That's perhaps the most difficult part: putting it down.
Savor the experience while you're reading it. And afterwards, for it's going to stay with you for a long time.
