THE VALLEY OF LIGHT by Terry Kay
Opening a new book by Terry Kay is like opening a Christmas package from a favorite uncle. You always know it is going to be something you are going to like, and you always know it is going to be something that surprises you. Kay's new novel THE VALLEY OF LIGHT is one of his best presents yet.
THE VALLEY OF LIGHT is not typical Terry Kay material but it is pure Terry Kay material. It tells the story of a man who makes his living from fishing. He is a "fish catcher" or better yet a "fish whisperer." He can almost talk the fish out of the water and on to his line and he does it in a dreamy, almost mystical way.
People are fascinated with Noah Locke, and his ability to catch fish. At least the folks in Bowerstown, Georgia are. This is the small community Noah drifts into one day. He is originally from Elbert County, Georgia but he has been pretty much a drifter since he returned home from the War. He saw combat in Germany but it has not damaged his calm spirit.
While traveling in Kentucky he met a man named Hoke Moore who told him about a lake in Georgia where a massive bass lived. He said nobody alive had been able to catch that fish, and this piqued Noah's interest. He decided to go to this community and look for the fish.
Once Noah arrives in Bowerstown you know the people there are going to be changed by his presence. Some are going to see their lives changed for the better and some for the worse. Some are going to marvel at the abilities of the man to catch fish, and others are going to be impressed with the gentle spirit that lives within him.
Eleanor Cunningham is a widow who lives in the community. Her husband Boyd committed suicide after returning from the War. When Noah comes to the town Eleanor feels the dark cover of Boyd's act lifting from her life. She responds to Noah in a way she doesn't totally understand and neither does he. Still a relationship is formed that will stay with them both forever.
Terry Kay tells his story with words that fill the mind like a good meal does the stomach. Sometimes the reader reaches a fullness that is close to bursting, and yet the compulsion to read on is overpowering. Not because of the excitement of the plot but rather for it's beauty.
THE VALLEY OF LIGHT is a slow, languid read that is dedicated to those who treasure the beauty of the written word. In this book's pages Terry Kay creates descriptions and dialogue that are pure poetry. You get a sense of the people, a sense of the town, a sense of the surrounding countryside. And even for non-fishermen like me, you get a sense of the wonder and thrill of catching "the big one."
Even though it isn't Christmas yet, go get Terry Kay's latest gift to you and all readers. Get THE VALLEY OF LIGHT. It is a wonderful gift to receive and to share.
THE VALLEY OF LIGHT is published by Simon and Schuster. It contains 256 pages and sells for $24.00.