In the book “Martin Marten,” author Brian Doyle takes us on a meandering, meditative, and often quite wonderful journey through a year in the lives of many human and non-human inhabitants on an Oregon mountain.
Through Martin (a pine marten), Louis (an elk), Edwin (a horse), an unnamed dog friend of Mr. Shapiro, and all the non-human characters, we catch moments of adventure and love, intelligence and survival. These individuals are largely personified even as we’re told (repeatedly) that we can’t possibly understand their thoughts and knowledge. It’s a distinct way to share a story and works (for me) largely because it’s not the main vehicle of the storytelling but is instead the regular reminders that the humans are not the only (living/non-living) creatures on the mountain.
It might seem that a plot regularly interrupted with a few pages about, say, a fight between a fox and two martens would have trouble building a sustained momentum, but that’s not the case here. This is not a plot-driven narrative. Certainly plenty of things happen, but what Doyle seems to be striving towards is allowing us to take up temporary residence on this side of a mountain with all the rocks and streams and hills and creatures and to catch peeks at the happenings.
With all this said, I will admit to being most compelled by some of the human elements. The romance between Ms. Moss and Mr. Douglas, the friendship between Dave and Moon, the connection that Cosmos has to the Robinsons, the music and struggles of the Unabled Lady, Emma’s personal journey, and of course everything about Maria — these are the things that pulled me with pace through this book.
There were some fantastical pieces, but who cares? I never need a book to adhere 100% to reality; for me the best books get at the truth of life through whatever means is available, and for Brian Doyle, he uses a winding river and all the life and material around it to get at that truth.
Three words that describe this book: Nature, Patience, Life
You might want to pick this book up if: you want to appreciate the world in all its glorious elements.
-Xander
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading 2022. We will continue to share these throughout the year.
