1. Closer All the Time by Jim Nichols
This novel surprised me. Jim Nichols is a very good writer, well recognized for his short stories. But
in Closer All the Time, Jim has woven together a group of his short stories and turned them into a
compelling new novel. Most of the stories have been published before, but he wrote three new ones
to link all of the others.
That works, allowing some characters to
continue throughout the novel, but I actually
read them as short stories, a few at a time. Each
stands alone, and all are compelling,
interesting, and very insightful. The setting is
Baxter, Maine, a community near the coast, the
time is shortly after World War Two, and the
characters are very recognizable, from Early
Blake, the clam digger, to Johnny Lundun, a
veteran with serious problems.
Consider this, the first paragraph in the chapter
titled "Early."
"I never had any trouble getting up in the morning, and was usually the first one out on the flats.
That's why everyone called me Early instead of Earl, which was my real name. But when I lost my
Evangeline I seemed to lose all my ambition, too. I'd lie awake all hours and then morning would
come and I'd feel ninety years old." Early's daughter-in-law finally gets him up and moving. "Life
goes on Early!" she exclaims.
You will identify with some of Jim's characters, feel sorry for others, hope for the best for most of
them. Many of them share a sense of alienation. Through his dialogue and descriptions, Jim makes
each of them come to life.
The stories seemed very real to me, a good sign that the writer is exceptional. And Nichols is all of
2. that. I especially enjoyed the insightful interview with Jim at the end of the book. Here's how he
answered the question: How has living in rural Maine impacted your writing, if it has?
"I like to write about the people I meet or hear about, from their point of view (rather than that of an
outside observer), which definitely has an impact on vocabulary and vernacular. These are the folks
I'm interested in, and their voices sing to me. I want to tell their stories the same way they'd tell
them." And he does.
I share something with Jim - a great appreciation for the folks at Islandport Press in Yarmouth, who
published my book, A Life Lived Outdoors, last year. After thanking everyone on the staff, by name,
Jim focused on Genevieve Morgan, his editor (and mine), "whose very first suggestion led to a much
better book, and who continuing counsel has been valuable throughout." I agree. Genevieve was a
huge help, and inspiration, to me as I worked to create my first book.
Genevieve is now editing a travel book by my wife Linda and me, about our favorite Maine inns and
restaurants. It'll be published early next year. While you wait for that, read this new novel by Jim
Nichols!
http://georgesmithmaine.com/articles/book-reviews/june/2015/closer-all-time-jim-nichols
