Some Notes on Nate Wilson's First Novel

I just finished reading Nathan Wilson's first novel, Leepike Ridge. After having read it, I can see why it is popular. Mr. Wilson is a good writer and his novel teems with luscious and imaginative descriptions of his fictional setting. The work, though it does not make any secret of this influence, is well informed of the classical traditions as well, whether this be the Homeric allusions which are scattered upon the surface or the classic adolescent adventure novels like Treasure Island, Kidnapped and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (mentioned in the acknowledgments) which make up the book's DNA. This does not mean that the novel is perfect. The allusions to the Odyssey seem forced, at times; for example, the characters "based" on Polyphemus and the Lotus Eaters are here members of a gang of treasure hunters which also includes a corrupt cop named Sirens. Perhaps Mr. Wilson does not intend a perfect transcription but is merely acknowledging his debt to Homer but, whereas Mr. Wilson is clearly interested in themes such as civilization in the same way that Homer was, the thematic make-up of both works does not comfortably parallel; Homer was concerned with civilization in the future tense, Mr. Wilson is interested with past civilizations. Furthermore, the boy hero of Mr. Wilson's novel, Tom Hammond is never sufficiently developed to embody the charisma that such a story requires. This role is not fulfilled until later, by Reg who becomes is surrogate father. But, in spite of this, Leepike Ridge is by far better than most adolescent literature which is produced in this day and age, and, if you are a starving college student who is unable to afford a copy not unlike I, than I would recommend finding someone from whom you may borrow it.