There is no better "marriage" between an author and narrator than that of James Lee Burke and Will Patton. Burke's remarkable ability to craft beautiful phrases and Patton's extraordinary talent to bring them vividly to life are truly astounding!

When I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of the yet-to-be-released "Another Kind of Eden", it was Patton's captivating voice that I seemed to hear narrating the story.

Hackberry Holland is such a complex and fascinating character. At times, he seems to need a firm smack, while at others, he craves a warm hug. There are so many people trying to control his life - his older brother, his wife, and the congressman.

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So, what does Hack do? He shocks everyone by leaving them all waiting at home as he departs to join the struggle of the cotton and citrus fruit workers who are striving to form a union. Along the way, he meets a charming young woman named Rie and promptly falls head over heels in love with her. However, this newfound love also gets him into a great deal of trouble with the locals and the sheriff. And let's not forget that he is already married! The story takes many twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

This is an interesting read that stands out from the few other Burke novels I've read so far, namely The Neon Rain and Flags on the Bayou. The book is filled with the lyrical prose that Burke is justifiably famous for. It makes you feel as if you are right there with Hack, wandering around Texas. As I was reading it, I had the strange thought that I was enjoying it, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why. Story-wise, not a whole lot was happening, yet it still felt incredibly gripping. I'm not sure if I can accurately describe or pinpoint that feeling, but Burke's prose and the inner monologues he creates for Hack are truly enthralling at times. I would definitely recommend this book, and it has me eagerly looking forward to continuing the rest of the Holland Family saga.

For fans of JLB and his Holland family series, this book should definitely be taken into consideration. It holds the #1 position in the order, yet it might not be the ideal starting point for readers who are not familiar with his extensive body of work. The book made its debut in 1971 and unfortunately, it received a rather harsh critical mauling. As James Lee himself stated in an interview, "It got pretty worked over. It got hit pretty hard." The author also endured the brunt of it. Eventually, it went out of print. His next novel had a long and arduous journey. It made the submission rounds for a whopping 9 years and was rejected a staggering 111 times before finally being published in 1986. Interestingly, that particular novel was even nominated for a Pulitzer. Thankfully, the man had unwavering faith in his writing, and the rest, as they say, is literary history. Due to that history and the sequels to this novel (the first of which didn't appear until 2009), this book was republished in 2010. Despite some opinions such as: “... shows the strength of Burke's writing, but without the wonderful storytelling skills of the later books. Not recommended as a starting point, but definitely one which fans will enjoy”, many GR reviewers and fans still give it high praise. I wholeheartedly agree with that statement.
As for my own thoughts, you can't expect me to be entirely unbiased. As my GR friends are well aware, I have a deep love for JLB. I am completely influenced by his remarkable talent and the captivating characters he creates. I am on a mission to read everything he has ever written. Suffice it to say that if you are a true fangirl or guy of Hack Holland, this book is an absolute must-read. It is the starting point of his story and provides valuable insights into his complex persona. Just like Hackberry in this novel, James Lee was a young man when this story was written, and like the finest wine, he only got better with age. However, as we all know, youth has its own charm and significance. Only one glass of wine influenced my thought process and rating on this one. ☺︎

Burke employs language in a truly poetic and majestic fashion. His words seem to dance on the page, creating a vivid and enchanting atmosphere. Holland, on the other hand, seamlessly fits into the mold of his hard-drinking Southern anti-heroes. The characters he portrays are complex and full of life, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the stories. I had the pleasure of listening to an excellently acted audio version of one of Burke's works. The narrator brought the characters to life, making the listening experience truly immersive. It made me wish that more mystery authors would write with Burke's remarkable facility with language. His ability to craft beautiful sentences and paint vivid pictures is truly a gift, and it would be wonderful to see more authors follow in his footsteps.

James Lee Burke has an incredibly wonderful sense of language.

His words seem to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures and evoking deep emotions.

Whether he is describing the lush landscapes of Louisiana or the complex inner lives of his characters, Burke's use of language is masterful.

He has a way of choosing just the right words to convey his intended meaning, making his writing both beautiful and powerful.

His sentences flow smoothly, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged from beginning to end.

With each new book, Burke continues to展示 his remarkable talent for language, solidifying his place as one of the greatest writers of our time.

His work is a joy to read and a testament to the power of words.

Love James Lee Burke and his morosely reflective characters Dave Robicheaux and Hack Holland.

James Lee Burke has a remarkable talent for creating complex and engaging characters that stay with you long after you've finished reading.

Dave Robicheaux and Hack Holland are two such characters, each with their own unique personalities and backstories.

I've enjoyed a number of Hack Holland novels, but unfortunately missed the first one.

However, in the novels I have read, I've been able to piece together a lot of the backstory regarding Hack's failed run for Congress and his first marriage.

It's fascinating to see how these events have shaped him and influenced his actions and decisions throughout the series.

The Hack Holland novels are a great read, filled with suspense, mystery, and a touch of southern charm.

If you're a fan of crime fiction or just looking for a good book, I highly recommend giving them a try.

You won't be disappointed!

I am currently engaged in re-reading Burke, with the intention of entering my thoughts about it on Good Reads. This particular book was penned in 1971 and is predominantly set during the 1950s and 1960s.

The story serves as a precursor, setting the tone and pace for the future Holland family books. It vividly evokes various aspects such as migrant workers, politics (specifically that of Texas), religion, and the concept of family.

His closing lines, which have an almost poetic quality in his books, are as follows: "When I look at them (his sons) I can see my father and Old Hack in their faces, and I try not to look over at the white markers in the cemetery or I would have to grieve just a little on that old problem of time and loss and the failure of history to atone in its own sequence."

The entire book has the potential to be rather dreadful, but in my mind, that one final sentence has the power to redeem it all. Fortunately, as it turns out, the book is actually quite good. It manages to capture the essence of the era and the complex emotions and themes that are intertwined within the narrative.

My third Burke novel, which is an earlier one, offers a captivating story.

Hackberry Holland, an alcoholic Korean War veteran and a candidate for office in Texas, finds himself in a difficult situation. When he gets involved with a citrus picker's union strike, he runs afoul of his family and the establishment senator who is supporting him for office.

Burke's prose, although it doesn't follow Elmore Leonard's dictum to not "sound like writing", manages to be engaging. He has a remarkable gift for description, especially when it comes to the places and landscapes that his characters traverse. His detailed描绘 of the settings adds depth and authenticity to the story, allowing readers to vividly imagine the world in which the characters live and interact.

Overall, this Burke novel is a great read that showcases his talent for creating compelling characters and immersive settings.

The story of Hackberry Holland's journey to becoming a lawyer for the ACLU is truly remarkable.

It's filled with humorous moments and a certain irreverence that often strays from the politically correct path.

However, there was one aspect that I found a bit hard to swallow. The amount of alcohol Hackberry seems to consume and still be able to function is almost unbelievable.

Despite this small quibble, I have to say that I'm a big fan of James Lee Burke's writing. His ability to create vivid characters and engaging storylines is second to none.

I would highly recommend his work to anyone looking for a good read that combines humor, drama, and a touch of the unexpected.

Whether you're interested in legal thrillers or just great storytelling, James Lee Burke has something to offer.

So, if you haven't already, give his books a try and see for yourself why he's such a beloved author.

You won't be disappointed.

James Lee Burke is truly a remarkable writer. It seems that everything he touches turns to gold.

I would go as far as to say that even his grocery lists might be considered masterpieces.

In this particular work, we are presented with a deep and engaging character study that delves into the human psyche.

Furthermore, it is also a powerful social justice tale that is on par with the works of Steinbeck.

This happens to be my first non-Dave Robicheaux novel from Burke, but I can already tell that it will not be my last.

His writing style is so captivating and his stories so thought-provoking that I am eager to explore more of his works.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good read that combines character development, social commentary, and a compelling narrative.

Burke's ability to bring his characters and settings to life is truly a gift, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.

Lay Down My Sword And Shield by James Lee Burke is a remarkable work that delves into the rebirth of Hackberry Holland.

He comes back from the Korean War, rebuilds his life, and now embarks on the journey of recreating himself. The hard-panned setting and his historic family background play crucial roles in his reassessment of identity.

Merely describing the book fails to do justice to its story and fluidity. The author's writing style reminds one of Pat Conroy, with his poetry-like prose. The detailed and beautiful descriptions of the countryside and people add a rich layer to the narrative. Hack's experiences as a POW in Korea are truly horrific, and his sublimation of those experiences and emotions can be related to PTSD victims in today's conflicts. His drinking seems to be fueled by displaced anger. Hack's reactions to his environment and his refusal to conform to his family's expectations, as opposed to following what he wants to be, form the essence of the book's plot.

We often forget how recent equal rights are. There are parts of the book that seem almost fantastic but are supported by facts and recollections of the times. Younger readers may even find some of the incidents hard to believe. Burke's book is extraordinarily well-done.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a deeply engaging and thought-provoking read.

As a general rule, I have never been a fan of hardboiled crime novels or thrillers. Overly macho books have never held any appeal for me, and I have never found them enjoyable to read. However, James Lee Burke is an exception to this rule.

His stories have a certain allure that speaks to me on a deeper level. Perhaps they tap into the male side of my personality, the side that might have emerged if genetics had determined a different outcome for me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I always find myself thoroughly enjoying his hard-as-nails heroes.

Their whiskey-fueled swagger and tough lingo, which constantly exude alpha-maleness and the ability to defend themselves physically if necessary, are both captivating and exciting. Of course, they are all wounded warriors, romantic idealists who are secretly as soft as butter inside, waiting for the right woman to come along and save them.

In this great novel, Hack is the archetype of all these characters, right down to his fishtailed Cadillac. He may be a walking cliché, but I love his uncorruptible sense of justice and his fearlessness. Burke's vivid and colorful landscape descriptions add an extra layer of depth and flavor to the story, like the pepper in a delicious sauce.

I am eagerly looking forward to the second installment of this series, eager to find out what has become of Hack in the 30-year hiatus and whether Burke's literary genius has taken a new direction in the meantime.