"Bouquet rises from this glass like luster from a fine diamond..."
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Wind by Russell Stuart Irwin Trafford Publishing
book review by C.D.
Artist Russell Stuart Irwin is known for his efforts in creating story-portraits and paper mosaics. As a writer, Irwin proves his creative talents reach far beyond the canvas' edge to reveal a masterful literary voice. At first glance, Wind's cover artwork seems merely a kaleidoscopic pattern of vibrant yellow light. Upon closer examination, this center brilliance reveals the image of a spirited horse. The closing depiction suggests a lush, hilled terrain, drenched in radiant beams. Both subjects are major forces at the center of this story.
Poyama, a young Chilean immigrant, has made his way to America. With a strong work ethic he strives to become a top vintner, though often with conflict and competition from his less than honorable neighbor, LaRue. Success seems short lived when fire ravages Poyama's vineyard, and he is forced to choose between saving the bounty of his vines, and obsessively tracking an elusive, wild horse that has mysteriously appeared at his ranch. Over the years he has amassed an enviable collection of rare steeds. Irwin gives us a likeable central character. A philosopher at heart, we see Poyama struggle with his demons, question God, but also look to Him for solace. He is a man who talks to his grape varietals, and converses with spiders sequentially named in honor of a woman he loves, but hasn't seen in a decade. Struggling with human foibles and frailties, Poyama seeks to be a better man.
Though just over 200 pages, this is a novel of depth and truly epic proportions. There is a beautiful fluidity to the language of Irwin's narrative. Detailed descriptions of characters, environment, and action, artfully reflect the author's visual background. Richly textured phrases often evoke layered imagery reminiscent of his signature mosaic pieces. Poyama is brought to the forefront with his Creole dialect, inspired by a blend of languages and textured by the parental heritage of Hindu and South American Mapucha. This speech pattern not only lends authenticity to the story, but also serves to draw the audience closer to the origin and history of one man's harsh, soul-searching, but ultimately triumphant journey.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review