Although I haven’t read them all, I have never read a bad book from Charles de Lint. Of the ones I have read, they are all amazingly different in scope, approach, characters, setting and mythos. From the aesthetic deviltry of MEMORY AND DREAM to the powerful and beautiful ache that is at the heart of THE MYSTERY OF GRACE, and now to the austere and inspirational spirituality of the U.S. Southwestern desert in MEDICINE ROAD, de Lint is a wonder at evoking place and telling a story that is emotionally complex and deeply satisfying.
MEDICINE ROAD tells the tale of Red Dog and Jackalope, who are changed from their animal forms into humans by the Coyote Woman. They are allowed to be humans for 100 years, and if they can find someone in that time who will love them unreservedly for who they are, then they will be allowed to remain humans.
But if only one or neither of them can find true love, then they will both revert to animal form. The jackalope, now known as Alice Corn Hair, has found her true love. But the dog, now known as Jim Changing Dog, has been unable to find true love, and the deadline for doing so is fast approaching. Enter the Dillard twins, Bess and Laurel, traveling musicians on the folk/hillbilly circuit.
The intertwining of the stories of these four characters — and other just as important ancillary characters — is skillfully woven into a rich tapestry of American Indian spirituality and Druidic oneness with nature. Even when the characters can change at will from a human being to a jackalope, their behaviors and dialogue strike one as realistic. This deeply thoughtful tale continues to cement de Lint’s reputation as a master storyteller — one of the absolute top names not just in fantasy, but fiction.
I must also make mention of Tachyon Publications’ decision to commission illustrations for the book. The 16 drawings here, done by Charles Vess, are sheer perfection, suitably matching the mystic quality of the text with a glorious William Morris/Arthur Rackham style. This edition gets my highest recommendation. —Mark Rose
OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THIS AUTHOR:
• MEMORY AND DREAM by Charles de Lint
• THE MYSTERY OF GRACE by Charles de Lint
• WIDDERSHINS by Charles de Lint
