Wow, just wow! That’s what I have to say about the brilliantly amazing “All Things Bright and Strange” by James Markert. Taking place mostly in 1920, Markert’s latest novel is part historical fiction, part Southern fiction, and part supernatural and paranormal storytelling at its best.
Strange things are happening in the small South Carolina town of Bellhaven. Everything, and I mean everything, is blooming at once. And the birds? They’re everywhere — especially the cardinals. But what does it mean?
Townsfolk are still reeling from the after effects of World War I. Considered a “special kind of different,” Ellsworth Newberry, the unofficial leader of the town who keeps surviving tragedy after tragedy, is learning to adapt to life minus one leg, as well as the fact that his wife died in a Klan-led tragedy. Anna Belle is adjusting to being a war widow. Alfred and his wife Linda May are overcoming his war-caused blindness and drug addiction. And Omar, one of the blacks in this rare southern integrated town, must wear a mask to cover where his face once was — also thanks to the war.
As more and more odd occurrences start happening in Bellhaven, including the arrival of the weird and mysterious Lou Eddington who recently purchased the historic town plantation, and the discovery of a chapel in the woods that townsfolk have always feared and avoided, Ellsworth and his chums must join forces to fight the unseen forces bent on destroying their idyllic town.
Markert writes in a beautifully descriptive manner, pulling the reader right into the story’s surroundings. He projects a small-town vibe even after just a few chapters. Weaving nature and its elements and creatures throughout the entire story, he builds a gorgeous yet intriguing picture.
A novel of forgiveness, racial division and spiritual warfare, “All Things Bright and Strange” delves into many deep topics — dealing with the impact and effects of war; being able to determine what’s truly good and what just appears to be good; angels and demons; trust; and coming together to fight for a common cause. It also strongly reminds us to focus on the importance of what brings us together and not apart. We must put aside our differences and then we will be invincible.
The final battle scene will leave you in chills, including a scene where the birds help make the invisible visible.
Fans of stories set in small Southern towns and stories that deal with racial division will enjoy “All Things Bright and Strange,” as will fans of supernatural and paranormal tales. So fans of novels like “To Kill a Mockingbird” or authors like Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker and Travis Thrasher will love Markert’s latest novel.
Slight disclaimer: there are mild incidents of lustful thinking, as well as some smoking and alcohol use.
Five stars out of five.
Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.