The Promise and Limitations of Working-Class Male Protagonists

The ten stories that comprise Losing a Bit of Eden sustain Levi Peterson's position as one the most adept scribes twentieth-century American West. Each story is well grounded in particular time and against specific landscape, somehow all feels gently connected.There no doubt Peterson master language. This volume brimming with striking turns phrase linger long after closes its pages. Several times I came across line or moment made me stop breathe: good stuff. what I'm here for. One such instance found “Jesus Enough”; it's for which named. When protagonist Darby's mother dies, he has following conversation his stepfather: “Dying, mean. Just suddenly not existing anymore.”Darby nodded.“It could make you wish Jesus was real.”“Yes, sir, it could. It does.”Folks live believe he's real, suspect.”“They do.”Jack loosened tie. “Just having her enough me.”That exchange, simple unassuming so very hit hard. There are several other moments like peppered throughout. Enough” broken up into yearly episodes life turn-of-the-century Montana. Working mine young man, Darby befriends Harley, fellow who will go on to assist bank robbery hang it. realizes man responsible heist still free, vows avenge friend. Along way courts Mormon girl, joins Church, settles ranch near Park City, Utah. quietly stunning; unfurls slowly, deliberately, washing over reader an incoming tide.That said, must mention sentence ruined this beautiful work me. wife Tilly loses brother horrific accident, she cries husband's arms. writes: “He pitied but didn't keep him from taking advantage vulnerability doing married right do.”I put book down went walk. know if would be able pick again.This encapsulates difficulty experienced collection overall. sprawling, beautiful, raw, emotional, human. also troublingly misogynistic. Other even more problematic than Darby's. “Gentleman Stallions” about Irvin, muster courage interfere boss's decision rape woman, stranger, at first sight. lackadaisical chilling.“The Return Native” focuses elderly Rulon raped cousin when they were both teens. becomes pregnant, father disowns sends away. cousin's life, knows it; spent own lifetime ruminating it—and forced ruminate him.Several men impregnate women. “Sandrine” nearly runs off friend's wife. “Cedar City” missionary leaves mission early marry woman carrying unborn child. “Bode Iris” two unlikely lovers brought together by unexpected pregnancy. In “Badge Bryant,” fourteen-year-old boys pact each get girl pregnant.In “The Shyster,” newlywed Arne decides support Leanne despite feminist ideals: doesn't take name, prays Heavenly Mother, works lawyer—“a shyster,” according Arne's father—who defends sex workers court. describes “respected feminists distance, their battle wasn't his.” much fuller, complete portrait just any book. But isn't saying much, we only meet snatches, perspective.The opening piece, “Losing Eden,” features female protagonist: Ellen, middle-aged whose husband serves bishopric. monthly temple trip ends disaster, blizzard forces Ellen uncomfortably intimate situation bishop. Despite innocent necessity circumstances, wonders been unfaithful husband.Peterson often hailed our greatest writers because examines unflinching gaze. irony book, however, while gaze may unflinching, scope narrow. writing though perspective working-class white worth contemplating. Yes, important see stories, including wider cast fully developed characters people color echo diversity real world in—a seem want acknowledge.