For introverts, performing a public act in secret is a perfect way to receive recognition while still deflecting the white-hot heat of attention that makes them squirm. Through much of the novel, Frankie feels empowered by her secret. And honestly, isn’t that the best we can reasonably hope for in life? They give shape to the characters’ humanity and fuel narrative arcs that tell evocative tragicomic stories about family, friendship, love and art that end on a note of cautious optimism. His previous novels include “The Family Fang,” about a pair of subversive performance artists who force their children to participate, and “Nothing to See Here,” about a woman entrusted with the care of two young children who burst into flames when they’re agitated.Īll those peccadillos have a purpose, though.

He is a master of creating indelibly peculiar characters with odd passions and traits. Wilson occupies a unique niche in literature. If there’s anything the poster has taught her, it’s that when all else fails, art can save you. Equally unshakeable is her belief in the power of art. The love she feels for him is unshakeable, despite his misdeeds. The story of the Coalfield Panic is told from Frankie’s adult perspective in 2017, and her telling is filled with nostalgic longing for her friendship with Zeke and the critical role he played in shaping the person she has become. It’s slow to come, but when it does, it tragically snowballs into what would come to be known as the Coalfield Panic of 1996. I wanted the edge, the shantytown, the gold seekers.”Īching to be seen by a community that routinely overlooks her, Frankie eagerly awaits some sort of public response to the poster. Because if it stopped, what was next? Zeke would leave. I think I would have killed someone if they tried to keep me from putting up the poster. I would have gone to jail for the poster. “(I)t was the most important thing in the world to me. But first, she turns it into a poster, illustrated by Zeke, which they plaster all over town. We are fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us.” It becomes a mantra for Frankie, something she will repeat to herself for the rest of her life. Zeke sparks something in Frankie, unleashing a creative urge that results in her writing the phrase, “The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. “(W)e made each other feel like the rest of the world wasn’t real.” “(W)eirdness was the thread that connected us,” observes Frankie.

Although they exchange a few kisses, they’re more interested in making art than making out. Frankie and Zeke quickly bond over their low social status and creative natures.

Now is not the time to panic review