Dust

Dust

by Arthur SladePublished
by Harper Collins Publishers Ltd.
2001
image retrieved - http://www.canadacouncil.ca

Plot Summary

Set in the dust and drought filled town of Horshoe, Saskatchewan during the depression-era , Robert, the main protagonist's seven year old little brother, Matthew, goes missing one day while walking to town to buy candy at the general store. Robert's parents and the entire town embark on a mission to find Matthew. However, with the arrival of Abram Harisch, the pale skinned man who dazzles them with the promise of rain, the towns people begin forgetting all of the things that were once important to them, including the strange dissapearance of Matthew. Abram Harish's appearance into the community is of no concern to the adults, they are transfixed by him, and obediantly follow his vision of building a rain making machine, without asking any questions.
Robert has a strong sense of responsibility for the disappearance of his little brother, and suspects that the newcomer to the town, Abram Harish, has something to do with the zombie-like state of the townspeople and his brother's mysterious disappearance. He struggles against falling into the dream-like state, and embarks on an investigation to find his brother and the reasons for the town peoples strange trans-like-states.

Evaluative Comments

This book takes place in a very imaginative setting. Loosely based on Saskatchewan during the dust-bowl era in the 1930's, the events and circumstances that occur in this book are entirely fictional, exciting and mysterious.
Slade's use of evocative descriptive language hooked me after reading the first chapter. Robert, the protagonist, is a bookish young man who's views of the world are largely encompassed by his daydreaming nature and love of books. Although the only book permitted in his religous household is the bible, he has had the opportunity to read widely. His uncle sneaks books into the house, and Robert, pretending to read the bible, places books inside the great book as a disguise.
Much of the book is written from Robert's point of view, however at times, his descriptions of characters are are unbelievable, his observations are too mature and his detailed descriptions would not realistically be those of a teenager. Despite this criticism, I believe that this novel can be equally enjoyed by teenagers and adults. Slade covers all of his bases, the character development of the villain, Abram Harisch is thorough enough that the reader develops a sense of distaste for him, and wants to see how his evil nature is revealed.
I would highly recommend this book. It was a fast read, a page turner and allowed my imagination to run wild. These are all characteristics that I look for in a good book

Age Range - 13 - 24

Ranking