Invisible Fences by Norman Prentiss…One to watch
I just finished reading Invisible Fences by an author I’ve never read - Norman Prentiss. This is an Advance Reading copy, so this review is right on time to help you all avoid the mistake of missing the book. Seriously. I very rarely really enjoy the first thing someone comes out with, and I know that Norman has published stories prior to this - but I don’t know of any novella or longer-length works. For a first time out of the gate performance, this book is remarkable.
Our parents all have their ways of protecting and teaching us. In the case of Norman Prentiss’ tale, it’s cautionary tales - frightening stories about what has happened to others who went before - not necessarily true stories, but frightening, and each with a message. These messages can be taken too seriously - they can become invisible fences that hem you in for a lifetime.
This story shows the steady decline of a family over two distinct events…one traumatic to the mother, and one to the whole family. The ending is very well woven and satisfying, the characters are reminiscent of the kids in Stephen King’s IT.
All in all, I would suggest that when this short book comes out from Cemetery Dance this year, you grab a copy - maybe grab two and put one away. I will almost guarantee you’ll be seeing a lot more by Mr. Prentiss in the years to come, and it’s always nice to get in on a good thing from the beginning.
This book is due in limited signed hardcover in December of 2008 from Cemetery Dance Books. When it comes up for pre-order, I’ll have a link! Thanks for reading.
-DNW
