Burnt Tree Fork
A Novel
Published on 27. August 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-1-7324968-4-2 (ISBN)
Description
This is a literary work about family, friendship, and courage, with a taste of fly fishing and a hint of murder.
Although Lee Jarrett dreads facing it, it's looking more and more like his own grandfather was a double-murderer who has never been caught. As beloved as he is to Lee, this is a transgression that, no matter the circumstances, his grandson cannot forgive.
Lee discovers a map showing the far wilderness where his grandfather once lived when the murders occurred, a drawing that he hopes, among other things, might hold answers to the old man's guilt or innocence. Following said map, however, is a life-threatening gamble. As Lee navigates the wilderness terrain searching for answers, he is simultaneously navigating the wilderness within himself.
Although Lee Jarrett dreads facing it, it's looking more and more like his own grandfather was a double-murderer who has never been caught. As beloved as he is to Lee, this is a transgression that, no matter the circumstances, his grandson cannot forgive.
Lee discovers a map showing the far wilderness where his grandfather once lived when the murders occurred, a drawing that he hopes, among other things, might hold answers to the old man's guilt or innocence. Following said map, however, is a life-threatening gamble. As Lee navigates the wilderness terrain searching for answers, he is simultaneously navigating the wilderness within himself.
Reviews / Votes
"A young man gropes his way into adulthood, intent on making good choices - only to find the path muddled by conflicting values, an aloof God, and his own testosterone. Out on the river, his compass works better. A thoughtful and compelling read for those of us unafraid to look into the mirror." - Dale Wheaton, author of Beyond the Cast"Using a mythical stream in the far-off mountains of West Virginia as his central metaphor, Bonnell masterfully weaves a haunting tale of idealism and young love mixed with betrayal, revenge and murder."
- James Anderson, Yellowstone Angler
"Jerry Bonnell nicely constructs a place and time for his characters in this coming of age novel. He puts his nostalgia to good use in a juxtaposition of modern and bygone values..." - Andrea Peacock, author of Libby, Montana
"Bonnell masterfully spins the story of a young man, Lee Jarrett, who is seeking an ideal life. We follow him in this quest through the joy and heartache of young love and the challenges of reaching adulthood. In the end, however, Lee realizes he must abandon some beliefs about perfection, if he is to find peace in the real world." - Bob Segil, Rainbow Enterprises
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Illustrations used for Part and Chapter headers
Dimensions
Height: 215 mm
Width: 139 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-7324968-4-2 (9781732496842)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Jerry Bonnell was born and raised in Weston, West Virginia. His first loves were basketball, fishing and creative writing. After attending St. Patrick's School in his home town, he enrolled in Glenville State Teacher's College in 1950, graduating from nearby WV Wesleyan shortly later. After serving in the Navy, he taught English Literature in the Baltimore County school system, married, and had one son, both of whom passed. He has one grandson, Christopher, from that marriage. Bonnell remarried in l966, secured a master's degree from the University of Maryland and continued teaching in Baltimore County until he retired. Recently widowed, he now divides his time between Montana and the Florida Keys, pursuing fly fishing and story writing.