The Trials of Solomon Parker by Eric Scott Fischl is a “What would happen if you could go back and fix your mistakes?” book which succeeds when it breaks away from the expected pattern for such a book.
Which it does.
A lot.
It succeeds a lot.
Maybe it’s just me, but the book’s title character pulled me into this book. Sol is a hard-working guy with a good heart. He’s fiercely loyal to his fellow miners, even if they screw up. He doesn’t always make the right choices, but he’s close. Like, really close.
Look, I’m not going to lie to you. Sol goes through some tough times. If you get attached to the guy like I did, you’re in for some tough spots. He has to make some tough choices, and he needs to take some risks. It’s not easy.
But it’s worth it.
This is historical speculative fiction, which I admit isn’t my usual thing. Butte, Montana circa 1916 is brought to life in this book in incredible detail. Turns out the different aspects of that town in that point in history are absolutely fascinating. With the boom brought on by the mines (wow, the mines were cool, too) Butte’s population shot up in no time at all-and had the growing pains to show it. Throw in some pivotal struggles to unionize the mine workers and you have a pretty damn interesting point in history.
Sometimes a book just nails the ending and I want spend time discussing it with someone.
But you haven’t read it yet.
So go read The Trials of Solomon Parker.
Plus, if buy the book, you’ll know that your money is going to a good place.
PURE, BRILLIANT INNOVATION:
I read a free copy of this book from NetGalley.