Then Like the Blind Man: Orbie's Story by Freddie OwensMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great storytelling...
Then Like the Blind Man: Orbie's Story by Freddie Owens is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted coming of age narrative that serves as an allegory for the pains of being.
An exceptionally well written book, the contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Owens pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a somewhat warm adventure story.
Finally, it must be stated that the author’s script at times is razor-sharp and will cut deep into the emotions of its reader. This story is not for the easily offended. A word of caution, therefore, for the ‘linguistically sensitive’ among us. Nevertheless, the themes and outcome are just as affecting in the arresting early 1950's landscape.
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