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The Cry of Dry Bones: a novel
The boy’s name is Tesfahun.
Nestled in the vastness of Ethiopia, he lives among the Akara, an ancient tribe untouched by modern civilization. His people live an isolated life where revenge killings are common and life is ruled by superstitions where cursed babies are thrown into the river for the sake of the tribe. As friends are forced to avenge the tribe and children disappear in the night, Tesfahun begins to question the beliefs of his grief stricken mother and hardened father. After his initiation into manhood, Tesfahun discovers a dark secret that pushes him to flee across the Omo River and into the territory of his people’s enemies. In this new harsh land, he crashes into his deepest fears and must decide if he will resist the violence around him or be consumed by it.
Based on current tribal practices, The Cry of Dry Bones is a mythic coming-of-age story that takes readers into the untouched regions of the Omo Valley to examine the meaning of belonging, identity, and sacrifice.
Nestled in the vastness of Ethiopia, he lives among the Akara, an ancient tribe untouched by modern civilization. His people live an isolated life where revenge killings are common and life is ruled by superstitions where cursed babies are thrown into the river for the sake of the tribe. As friends are forced to avenge the tribe and children disappear in the night, Tesfahun begins to question the beliefs of his grief stricken mother and hardened father. After his initiation into manhood, Tesfahun discovers a dark secret that pushes him to flee across the Omo River and into the territory of his people’s enemies. In this new harsh land, he crashes into his deepest fears and must decide if he will resist the violence around him or be consumed by it.
Based on current tribal practices, The Cry of Dry Bones is a mythic coming-of-age story that takes readers into the untouched regions of the Omo Valley to examine the meaning of belonging, identity, and sacrifice.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2021
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
N.T. McQueen
5 books63 followersN.T. McQueen is a writer and professor in Kona, Hawai'i. His novels include The Cry of Dry Bones and Between Lions and Lambs, and the forthcoming historical novel Never Hide from the Devil (Cynren Press, 2026). He earned his MA in Fiction from CSU-Sacramento under the direction of Doug Rice and his writing has been featured in issues of the North American Review, Stonecoast Review, Fiction Southeast, Entropy, The Grief Diaries, Gold Man Review, Camas: Nature of the West, Grief Digest Magazine, Stereo Stories, and others.
His passion for other cultures and countries has prompted him to do humanitarian work through non-profits in Cambodia, Mexico and Haiti and continues to seek opportunities to make a difference wherever they may arise. He currently lives in Kailua-Kona with his wife and three daughters and teaches college writing at Hawai'i Community College. Aside from writing, his pastimes include fishing, watching basketball and spending time with his family.
To stay up to date on news, events and other writings, you can visit his website at www.ntmcqueen.com or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
His passion for other cultures and countries has prompted him to do humanitarian work through non-profits in Cambodia, Mexico and Haiti and continues to seek opportunities to make a difference wherever they may arise. He currently lives in Kailua-Kona with his wife and three daughters and teaches college writing at Hawai'i Community College. Aside from writing, his pastimes include fishing, watching basketball and spending time with his family.
To stay up to date on news, events and other writings, you can visit his website at www.ntmcqueen.com or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 9, 2023
Survival, vengeance, and vindication: these are what every generation of men of the Akara is taught to seek. It is their fate. It’s also what takes the lives of their young men, leaving their mothers to grieve. No one complains because this is the way it has always been. A drought, famine, traditions, and war have made life bleak in this African village.
The three, elderly kings are never questioned about their decisions; some of which call for the sacrifice of children to appease the gods. Our omniscient narrator states that the village is withstanding a miasma, “The air seemed tainted and thick with the stolen souls of children snatched before time allowed them to see such a place.” (page 56)
Tesfahun is a teenager on the cusp of becoming a man. As he learns what that means, he begins to question the belief in the unseen gods that determine his fate. In the midst of preparations for his coming-of-age ceremony, his friend, Dawit, is murdered on his mission for vengeance. Tesfahun realizes that as the son of the Great Warrior, much is expected of him. Will he be able to be the type of man he is expected to be when he can’t embrace the ways of the past and present?
Tesfahun’s journey into manhood takes him to unexpected places physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He will have to confront extreme conditions, contradictions, and harsh realities beyond those of more advanced age and experience.
There are a few flaws in the prose that made parts of the book clunky, and hard to follow. First, there is the editing: in some sentences there are words missing, while in others, there are extraneous non sequitur. Second, dialogue is without quote marks. Because of ambiguity in the sentence(s) preceding conversations, it is often hard to decide who is talking. Third, there are flowery words and phrases that do not fit the narrative. For example, “The longer he stood, the more the scene evolved to an emotional opera as predictable as the rising sun.” (page 55)
This is a good story told with respect and understanding. Tesfahun is a very complicated young man asking tough questions of himself and others. There is much that the reader will find themselves confronting spiritually and culturally.
I would like to thank LibraryThing and Adelaide Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The three, elderly kings are never questioned about their decisions; some of which call for the sacrifice of children to appease the gods. Our omniscient narrator states that the village is withstanding a miasma, “The air seemed tainted and thick with the stolen souls of children snatched before time allowed them to see such a place.” (page 56)
Tesfahun is a teenager on the cusp of becoming a man. As he learns what that means, he begins to question the belief in the unseen gods that determine his fate. In the midst of preparations for his coming-of-age ceremony, his friend, Dawit, is murdered on his mission for vengeance. Tesfahun realizes that as the son of the Great Warrior, much is expected of him. Will he be able to be the type of man he is expected to be when he can’t embrace the ways of the past and present?
Tesfahun’s journey into manhood takes him to unexpected places physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He will have to confront extreme conditions, contradictions, and harsh realities beyond those of more advanced age and experience.
There are a few flaws in the prose that made parts of the book clunky, and hard to follow. First, there is the editing: in some sentences there are words missing, while in others, there are extraneous non sequitur. Second, dialogue is without quote marks. Because of ambiguity in the sentence(s) preceding conversations, it is often hard to decide who is talking. Third, there are flowery words and phrases that do not fit the narrative. For example, “The longer he stood, the more the scene evolved to an emotional opera as predictable as the rising sun.” (page 55)
This is a good story told with respect and understanding. Tesfahun is a very complicated young man asking tough questions of himself and others. There is much that the reader will find themselves confronting spiritually and culturally.
I would like to thank LibraryThing and Adelaide Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 3, 2022
The Blood of Bones by N.T. McQueen is a beautifully written coming of age story with interesting cultural themes and the struggle of humanity. I’m impressed with the research that went into this novel and how absolutely captivating it is. How could I give this less than five stars? It deserves more!
The Blood of Bones is written with intense emotion and deep respect. I’m impressed with how atmospheric and intense the story was. The pace flowed well and this is going to be a book I remember for a long time.
Tesfahun is a fantastic character. His journey takes him through many different names and lifestyles. His character growth is a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed his journey!
The Blood of Bones is a highlight of my 2022 reading list and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it. Highly recommended!
Thank you to author N.T. McQueen for the review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
The Blood of Bones is written with intense emotion and deep respect. I’m impressed with how atmospheric and intense the story was. The pace flowed well and this is going to be a book I remember for a long time.
Tesfahun is a fantastic character. His journey takes him through many different names and lifestyles. His character growth is a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed his journey!
The Blood of Bones is a highlight of my 2022 reading list and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it. Highly recommended!
Thank you to author N.T. McQueen for the review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
August 13, 2023
Comments concerning N.T. McQueen’s, The Cry of Dry bones; The characters in the book were fully developed. Had believable personality traits and flaws, and some with deep hurts. The narrative voice really did well to show and not tell the main character [Tesfahun] s’ inner struggles, reactions to the many plot twists and shocking moments in the story. Felt the main character was successfully conveyed as a very real person. I was able to empathize with the main character story arc, his struggles and character changes throughout the book.
The author has a great talent for making the read experience almost immersive scenes, where the main character interacts with individuals in dialogue or action. I could picture the tribal ceremonies, the energy excitement and emotions of the scene due to the authors immersive descriptions, great use of showing the sights, smells, and sounds. It’s obvious the characters and descriptions were well thought out and hard research was performed. At times, felt I was watching the scene play out, as if I was seated next to the characters, or hiding/watching from a near “safe” distance.
The world building in the story was very credible. The descriptions of within the world of a tribal African village were very adequate and immersive. Did a great job of describing the setting, the village, and the different huts, The surrounding lands, Mountains, trees, rivers, and the wild animals. Great point of view from the low-tech world of the tribal people, great descriptions of higher tech in scenes, really puts the reader in the eyes of the main character.
The story pacing is a little slow and cumbersome within the first act. The second and third act flowed at an enjoyable faster pace, lots more plot and character growth with so many interesting twists and turns.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to others, here are some nits;
The first act pacing was a little slow, lots of world building and character development. The second and third acts are way faster with many satisfying plot twists. Sometimes very difficult vocabulary was used when unnecessary, as example, when describing a simple setting near a river bed.
The author has great inter-character action, and amazing imagery of character perspective and thoughts on his world. Could really relate and see the world and viewpoint and empathize with the main character - and honestly Tesfahjn is a character I won’t soon forget! I would read more from titles from N.T. McQueen.
***I received a copy of this book for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review. ***
The author has a great talent for making the read experience almost immersive scenes, where the main character interacts with individuals in dialogue or action. I could picture the tribal ceremonies, the energy excitement and emotions of the scene due to the authors immersive descriptions, great use of showing the sights, smells, and sounds. It’s obvious the characters and descriptions were well thought out and hard research was performed. At times, felt I was watching the scene play out, as if I was seated next to the characters, or hiding/watching from a near “safe” distance.
The world building in the story was very credible. The descriptions of within the world of a tribal African village were very adequate and immersive. Did a great job of describing the setting, the village, and the different huts, The surrounding lands, Mountains, trees, rivers, and the wild animals. Great point of view from the low-tech world of the tribal people, great descriptions of higher tech in scenes, really puts the reader in the eyes of the main character.
The story pacing is a little slow and cumbersome within the first act. The second and third act flowed at an enjoyable faster pace, lots more plot and character growth with so many interesting twists and turns.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to others, here are some nits;
The first act pacing was a little slow, lots of world building and character development. The second and third acts are way faster with many satisfying plot twists. Sometimes very difficult vocabulary was used when unnecessary, as example, when describing a simple setting near a river bed.
The author has great inter-character action, and amazing imagery of character perspective and thoughts on his world. Could really relate and see the world and viewpoint and empathize with the main character - and honestly Tesfahjn is a character I won’t soon forget! I would read more from titles from N.T. McQueen.
***I received a copy of this book for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review. ***
August 8, 2023
The Good: The background seems (and I'm using this word advisedly, as I cannot presume to any knowledge about tribal life in Ethiopia) to be well-researched, and the fictional parts come across as authentic. I liked how we are shown the world more or less through Tesfahun's eyes (barring some minor slip-ups). The story wasi believable and touches on important issues without offering simple answers.
The Meh: The motivation behind the characters' actions never became quite clear to me. Why was Tesfahun so down on his father even before learning their family history? Was it a typical teenager thing? Why was he, at his age (which is not stated, but must be around eighteen, seeing as he marries an eighteen-year old girl eventually), still so useless at workaday chores? What were Demissie and his gang trying to accomplish?
On a formal note: Direct speech is not marked in any way, which made it at times hard to follow the conversations.
The Bad: This book is in dire need of some serious, serious editing. I hardly know where to begin, it's such a train wreck: wrong verb forms, unclear pronoun references, missing words, redundant words, mixed metaphors, typos that in some cases look suspiciously like malapropisms - examples for the latter: “the steps … [were] noisome” (noisy), “bracelets tinkered” (tinkled), “disapproving eyes … accosted him” (“met” would be my best bet here), “placed a congenial hand on their shoulders” (genial), “a puppet abandoned by its marionette” - wait, what? On short, there is hardly a well-composed sentence in this whole book, instead we get, at an estimate, about 80% of zero-copula elliptical constructions, which are not only hard to understand but make for a jerky, halting reading pace, sentences that simply end without the statement being finished, and sentences that, to me, did not make any sense at all (“Dark blotches remnant of the day spent hunting with his father plopped in no obvious order.” What the heck is that supposed to mean?) Add to this instances of flowery-leaning-towards-purplish prose and I start suspecting that some of the above was even done on purpose, maybe to create a unique writing style – which this is, but not in a good way. I mean, is it conceivable that the author does not know
how to form an adverb from an adjective
that intransitive verbs do not take direct objects
the difference between “to lie” and “to lay”
that there is, in fact, a past tense form of “may”
?
I had a hard time plodding through all of this, so had a less-than-enjoyable time reading. Which seems a pity really, the story itself would have deserved a better execution.
The Meh: The motivation behind the characters' actions never became quite clear to me. Why was Tesfahun so down on his father even before learning their family history? Was it a typical teenager thing? Why was he, at his age (which is not stated, but must be around eighteen, seeing as he marries an eighteen-year old girl eventually), still so useless at workaday chores? What were Demissie and his gang trying to accomplish?
On a formal note: Direct speech is not marked in any way, which made it at times hard to follow the conversations.
The Bad: This book is in dire need of some serious, serious editing. I hardly know where to begin, it's such a train wreck: wrong verb forms, unclear pronoun references, missing words, redundant words, mixed metaphors, typos that in some cases look suspiciously like malapropisms - examples for the latter: “the steps … [were] noisome” (noisy), “bracelets tinkered” (tinkled), “disapproving eyes … accosted him” (“met” would be my best bet here), “placed a congenial hand on their shoulders” (genial), “a puppet abandoned by its marionette” - wait, what? On short, there is hardly a well-composed sentence in this whole book, instead we get, at an estimate, about 80% of zero-copula elliptical constructions, which are not only hard to understand but make for a jerky, halting reading pace, sentences that simply end without the statement being finished, and sentences that, to me, did not make any sense at all (“Dark blotches remnant of the day spent hunting with his father plopped in no obvious order.” What the heck is that supposed to mean?) Add to this instances of flowery-leaning-towards-purplish prose and I start suspecting that some of the above was even done on purpose, maybe to create a unique writing style – which this is, but not in a good way. I mean, is it conceivable that the author does not know
how to form an adverb from an adjective
that intransitive verbs do not take direct objects
the difference between “to lie” and “to lay”
that there is, in fact, a past tense form of “may”
?
I had a hard time plodding through all of this, so had a less-than-enjoyable time reading. Which seems a pity really, the story itself would have deserved a better execution.
September 21, 2023
"The Cry of Dry Bone" by N.T. McQueen is a book that takes readers on an immersive journey into the heart of Ethiopia, exploring the life and struggles of the Akara, an ancient tribe untouched by modern civilization. It's a story that digs into themes of tradition, superstition, identity, and sacrifice, offering a unique perspective on the coming-of-age experience.
As I began reading this novel, I was immediately captivated by the richly described setting and the complex web of tribal customs and beliefs that govern the lives of the Akara people. Tesfahun's journey from a sheltered existence to the harsh realities of a neighboring tribe's territory is both compelling and thought-provoking. The author's ability to paint a vivid picture of this remote and untouched region of the Omo Valley is commendable, and I felt fully immersed in the world of the Akara.
However, my enthusiasm for the story began to wane towards the end. While the book had been building tension and intrigue throughout, the final chapters didn't quite deliver the climactic punch I was hoping for. It felt as though the story was on the brink of something truly extraordinary, but the resolution came across as somewhat anticlimactic.
Given the harsh and unforgiving circumstances that Tesfahun faces throughout the narrative, I expected a conclusion that would reflect the realities of his world more emotionally. Instead, the ending took a different direction, introducing elements of hope and optimism that, while not inherently negative, felt somewhat out of place within the context of the story.
In essence, "The Cry of Dry Bone" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on tribal life and the struggles of its characters. The rich cultural exploration and coming-of-age themes make it a worthwhile read. However, the ending, while not inherently flawed, didn't quite align with the tone set by the rest of the book, which is why I ultimately rated it three stars. It's a solid read, but I couldn't help feeling that there was untapped potential for a more impactful conclusion.
As I began reading this novel, I was immediately captivated by the richly described setting and the complex web of tribal customs and beliefs that govern the lives of the Akara people. Tesfahun's journey from a sheltered existence to the harsh realities of a neighboring tribe's territory is both compelling and thought-provoking. The author's ability to paint a vivid picture of this remote and untouched region of the Omo Valley is commendable, and I felt fully immersed in the world of the Akara.
However, my enthusiasm for the story began to wane towards the end. While the book had been building tension and intrigue throughout, the final chapters didn't quite deliver the climactic punch I was hoping for. It felt as though the story was on the brink of something truly extraordinary, but the resolution came across as somewhat anticlimactic.
Given the harsh and unforgiving circumstances that Tesfahun faces throughout the narrative, I expected a conclusion that would reflect the realities of his world more emotionally. Instead, the ending took a different direction, introducing elements of hope and optimism that, while not inherently negative, felt somewhat out of place within the context of the story.
In essence, "The Cry of Dry Bone" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on tribal life and the struggles of its characters. The rich cultural exploration and coming-of-age themes make it a worthwhile read. However, the ending, while not inherently flawed, didn't quite align with the tone set by the rest of the book, which is why I ultimately rated it three stars. It's a solid read, but I couldn't help feeling that there was untapped potential for a more impactful conclusion.
September 6, 2023
"The Cry of Dry Bones" is truly a remarkable spiritual journey. The author's eloquent prose carries readers through the complexities of faith, doubt, and redemption with grace. The characters' struggles mirror our own, making this book profoundly relatable. What sets it apart is the exploration of spirituality and the importance of environmental stewardship, which are highly pertinent topics in our times. The narrative is expertly crafted, maintaining engagement throughout. This is a must-read for those who appreciate literature that encourages deep reflection. It leaves a lasting impression, inviting contemplation of life's profound questions.
July 26, 2023
This was a decent story with plenty of depth. It took me a few chapters to really get a feel for it but I was surprised by the way the author describes the scenes, like you are right there in the mix. I felt at times there were some very hollow parts of the book, they just sort of droned on. That being said, I'd say that this was a good read.
December 31, 2021
“Are you ready to receive your scars?” Kelile, Tefahun’s father asks him, referring to the Akaran rite of passage. Myth and ritual figure prominently in N.T. McQueen’s ambient novel, “The Blood of Bones. Once a feared warrior, Kelile is now burdened with guilt, so he regards his son’s coming-of-age with ambivalence. He recalls his first experience in battle: “I had taken his life for a life but what had I accomplished. Was I a man now?”
Further, the festive mood of Tefahun’s initiation is dampened when the Kangatum, a rival tribe, murder a beloved Akaran fighter. After the ceremony, when a drunk uncle tells Tefahun he had a twin brother, which his father sacrificed at birth according to the laws of the tribe, he becomes furious and flees the tribe.
“The Blood of Bones” is Tefahun’s odyssey through dangerous lands on his way to manhood. Its precise time and location are vague, although the story is anchored around the Omo River in Ethiopia and references to “whites and their massive machines” suggest some time not long after the Italian occupation. Such distinctions are meaningless to Tefahun, though, and thus McQueen does an excellent job of rendering the story from an indigenous perspective.
The novel functions as four parables in separate parts. In each, Tefahun undergoes an identity transformation. First, he is a boy seeking to become a man, despite being appalled by violence done by men. On his own, he becomes apprentice to an old hermit, who dubs him Gagma after “the land of blood” which “you either give or take.” After surviving an attack where the old man perishes, the boy joins a horde of roving marauders, led by the diabolical Demissie. With them, he becomes Dam Afasash and kills for the first time. Finally, after Demissie’s band is routed by Kangatum with guns, he awakens in a Christian mission, where the preacher decides that henceforth he will be Moses.
McQueen is adept at depicting the harsh African hinterlands and the trials faced by its inhabitants. Some passages stick with you, like the following where Tefahun enters the Valley of Dry Bones:
“Life stopped at the doorway. He stepped quiet and gently as he entered in, giving no heed to the presence of the Kings or the heavy darkness. He did not notice the stench of mold and decaying flesh from slaughtered animals, nor the multicolored powders in clay bowls lining the shelves floor to ceiling, nor the crocodile head hanging like some grotesque chandelier from the pitched roof. He had eyes for only the body,”
In his first three incarnations, the boy is riven by progressively worse anger, doubt, and violent impulses. His prospects seem bleak. Without divulging the ending, let me just say that it feels contrived, and the symbolism is heavy handed.
Let’s not quibble about cultural appropriation here, although some folks will. Despite its desultory plot and disappointing finale, “The Blood of Bones” evokes fascinating places and cultures.
Please note that the Kindle file I read contained the word “draft” in its title.
Further, the festive mood of Tefahun’s initiation is dampened when the Kangatum, a rival tribe, murder a beloved Akaran fighter. After the ceremony, when a drunk uncle tells Tefahun he had a twin brother, which his father sacrificed at birth according to the laws of the tribe, he becomes furious and flees the tribe.
“The Blood of Bones” is Tefahun’s odyssey through dangerous lands on his way to manhood. Its precise time and location are vague, although the story is anchored around the Omo River in Ethiopia and references to “whites and their massive machines” suggest some time not long after the Italian occupation. Such distinctions are meaningless to Tefahun, though, and thus McQueen does an excellent job of rendering the story from an indigenous perspective.
The novel functions as four parables in separate parts. In each, Tefahun undergoes an identity transformation. First, he is a boy seeking to become a man, despite being appalled by violence done by men. On his own, he becomes apprentice to an old hermit, who dubs him Gagma after “the land of blood” which “you either give or take.” After surviving an attack where the old man perishes, the boy joins a horde of roving marauders, led by the diabolical Demissie. With them, he becomes Dam Afasash and kills for the first time. Finally, after Demissie’s band is routed by Kangatum with guns, he awakens in a Christian mission, where the preacher decides that henceforth he will be Moses.
McQueen is adept at depicting the harsh African hinterlands and the trials faced by its inhabitants. Some passages stick with you, like the following where Tefahun enters the Valley of Dry Bones:
“Life stopped at the doorway. He stepped quiet and gently as he entered in, giving no heed to the presence of the Kings or the heavy darkness. He did not notice the stench of mold and decaying flesh from slaughtered animals, nor the multicolored powders in clay bowls lining the shelves floor to ceiling, nor the crocodile head hanging like some grotesque chandelier from the pitched roof. He had eyes for only the body,”
In his first three incarnations, the boy is riven by progressively worse anger, doubt, and violent impulses. His prospects seem bleak. Without divulging the ending, let me just say that it feels contrived, and the symbolism is heavy handed.
Let’s not quibble about cultural appropriation here, although some folks will. Despite its desultory plot and disappointing finale, “The Blood of Bones” evokes fascinating places and cultures.
Please note that the Kindle file I read contained the word “draft” in its title.
January 29, 2025
It has very vivid storytelling with gripping characters and a descriptive, realistic setting. The author draws you in with the descriptions of everything and brings you through a young man’s gut-wrenching coming-of-age story out in the wild. Throughout his trials, you see him fully come into himself and make the tough decisions he needs to make to survive.
I don't understand why everyone the young man met felt the need to give him a new name, even though they understood that it was to mark a new point or time in his life. This muddled things up. The ending fell flat for me—it was very anticlimactic. He starts a new chapter, and everything else is just brushed aside.
The final pages were a complete 180 of his journey with no explanation.
There were a couple of plot holes, but overall, reading and knowing this was based on other true stories was enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don't understand why everyone the young man met felt the need to give him a new name, even though they understood that it was to mark a new point or time in his life. This muddled things up. The ending fell flat for me—it was very anticlimactic. He starts a new chapter, and everything else is just brushed aside.
The final pages were a complete 180 of his journey with no explanation.
There were a couple of plot holes, but overall, reading and knowing this was based on other true stories was enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2022
FIVE STARS
The Blood of Bones is the second novel by author N.T. McQueen. I enjoyed his first novel, Between Lions and Lambs, and was excited to see that he had a new novel out.
The Blood of Bones is a coming-of-age tale about Tesfahun, a boy living in an Ethiopian tribe, who, like many teenagers everywhere, is faced with conflict between that which he has been taught and that which he feels deep down. McQueen makes the right choice to use this tension to propel the plot forward, as Tesfahun must make important and sometimes terrifying decisions that will change the trajectory of both his life and of those around him. As a result, the plot moves forward briskly, and as a reader you are compelled to turn the page to see where Tesfahun’s decisions lead him.
This is not to say the language of the novel is thriller-like. To the contrary. This is not a book of cheap thrills. I believe Cormac McCarthy is one of the greatest novelists, dead or alive, and it is clear that McQueen is also a McCarthy fan. His language is imbued with the same direct, visceral, and yet poetic language that McCarthy is known for. In many cases, when novelists start to describe landscapes in detail, I can get bored, but not the way McQueen does it. His sentences sing with clear imagery and poignant word choices that harken back to many of the book’s themes. Like McCarthy, McQueen bravely dives headfirst into themes of violence, spirituality, and nature, often showcasing unflinching scenes that are somehow both simultaneously beautiful and harrowing.
One of the things I appreciated about McQueen’s first novel is that even though the novel was about a preacher, he simply presented the story and stayed away from authorial intrusion and judgments. I appreciate that same tact here. Though the novel occurs in a place that McQueen likely does not have much personal, lived experience with, the characters are treated with such empathy and clarity that there is no question McQueen has told a story with verisimilitude. My only sort-of gripe (and a somewhat small one at that) is that as the novel moves toward and through its final section, some readers may find the narrative approaches (though never quite crosses the line) of moralizing in a way that has been refreshingly absent from the rest of the novel. But even then, the ending rings true for Tesfahun and other characters in the novel.
Overall, I am so impressed with this novel. It has everything – grand themes, a complicated protagonist, superb language, a plot that moves, excellent world-building and scene-making –
that is necessary to describe a novel as great. The Blood of Bones is great, and I think you will think so, too.
The Blood of Bones is the second novel by author N.T. McQueen. I enjoyed his first novel, Between Lions and Lambs, and was excited to see that he had a new novel out.
The Blood of Bones is a coming-of-age tale about Tesfahun, a boy living in an Ethiopian tribe, who, like many teenagers everywhere, is faced with conflict between that which he has been taught and that which he feels deep down. McQueen makes the right choice to use this tension to propel the plot forward, as Tesfahun must make important and sometimes terrifying decisions that will change the trajectory of both his life and of those around him. As a result, the plot moves forward briskly, and as a reader you are compelled to turn the page to see where Tesfahun’s decisions lead him.
This is not to say the language of the novel is thriller-like. To the contrary. This is not a book of cheap thrills. I believe Cormac McCarthy is one of the greatest novelists, dead or alive, and it is clear that McQueen is also a McCarthy fan. His language is imbued with the same direct, visceral, and yet poetic language that McCarthy is known for. In many cases, when novelists start to describe landscapes in detail, I can get bored, but not the way McQueen does it. His sentences sing with clear imagery and poignant word choices that harken back to many of the book’s themes. Like McCarthy, McQueen bravely dives headfirst into themes of violence, spirituality, and nature, often showcasing unflinching scenes that are somehow both simultaneously beautiful and harrowing.
One of the things I appreciated about McQueen’s first novel is that even though the novel was about a preacher, he simply presented the story and stayed away from authorial intrusion and judgments. I appreciate that same tact here. Though the novel occurs in a place that McQueen likely does not have much personal, lived experience with, the characters are treated with such empathy and clarity that there is no question McQueen has told a story with verisimilitude. My only sort-of gripe (and a somewhat small one at that) is that as the novel moves toward and through its final section, some readers may find the narrative approaches (though never quite crosses the line) of moralizing in a way that has been refreshingly absent from the rest of the novel. But even then, the ending rings true for Tesfahun and other characters in the novel.
Overall, I am so impressed with this novel. It has everything – grand themes, a complicated protagonist, superb language, a plot that moves, excellent world-building and scene-making –
that is necessary to describe a novel as great. The Blood of Bones is great, and I think you will think so, too.
January 11, 2022
Reminiscent of Chinua Achebe’s classic Things Fall Apart, The Blood of Bones is a dramatic coming of age story that pulls the veil off the darkness and all-consuming violence lurking within a tribal community in Africa.
When a long kept secret is uncovered, the ever-evolving hero has a burning desire to be set free from the archaic and often cruel customs of his people. He sets off on an unforgettable journey of discovery. Growing aware of the darkness of human nature which permeates his very bones, he plunges into disillusion, despair and confusion, all of which I could keenly feel thanks to the striking and eloquent prose.
N.T. McQueen tells his tale with emotion and profound respect for his characters and the cultures from which they hail. It is a serious and intense work, deeply touching in many places. Though it is heavy literature, it is a pleasure to read and it has everything I look for in a book; atmosphere, tension, stirring emotion. The writing flows as smoothly as Ethiopia’s Omo river where the story is set, and there are many eye-catchingly vivid descriptions of nature as well as fiercely memorable scenes, from the opening hunt to the biblical final act, giving me plenty of food for thought.
As the character moves through the landscape, his path takes many twists and turns and he changes little by little, adopting new names and new lifestyles, until he settles on one that will help him redeem his people. And as he learned and grew, I felt like I grew along with him, becoming not only more curious about his adventures but gaining an understanding of human nature itself.
This work not only reveals great insight, it is clearly well researched and feels authentic, down to the names of the characters and their symbolism. It piqued my interest about this region of Africa and the cultures that inhabit it, something I knew very little of before.
I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in emotional literature, and fans of the aforementioned Chinua Achebe, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner.
When a long kept secret is uncovered, the ever-evolving hero has a burning desire to be set free from the archaic and often cruel customs of his people. He sets off on an unforgettable journey of discovery. Growing aware of the darkness of human nature which permeates his very bones, he plunges into disillusion, despair and confusion, all of which I could keenly feel thanks to the striking and eloquent prose.
N.T. McQueen tells his tale with emotion and profound respect for his characters and the cultures from which they hail. It is a serious and intense work, deeply touching in many places. Though it is heavy literature, it is a pleasure to read and it has everything I look for in a book; atmosphere, tension, stirring emotion. The writing flows as smoothly as Ethiopia’s Omo river where the story is set, and there are many eye-catchingly vivid descriptions of nature as well as fiercely memorable scenes, from the opening hunt to the biblical final act, giving me plenty of food for thought.
As the character moves through the landscape, his path takes many twists and turns and he changes little by little, adopting new names and new lifestyles, until he settles on one that will help him redeem his people. And as he learned and grew, I felt like I grew along with him, becoming not only more curious about his adventures but gaining an understanding of human nature itself.
This work not only reveals great insight, it is clearly well researched and feels authentic, down to the names of the characters and their symbolism. It piqued my interest about this region of Africa and the cultures that inhabit it, something I knew very little of before.
I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in emotional literature, and fans of the aforementioned Chinua Achebe, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner.
October 4, 2023
Review: The Cry of Dry Bones by N. T. McQueen 3* 08/25/2023
I enjoyed This Early Reviewer Book even though it needed some editing. The story is about a young teen who lives in Ethiopia with a tribe of Akarains. With no knowledge of any other human civilization the teenage boy, Tesfahun lived across the Omo River, and he was told never to cross the river because the people there are their enemies.
Tesfahun was at the age of questioning his people's rules and lives, including his parents. As he was coming to the age of physical and spiritual maturity he couldn't understand his people's symbolic deaths and beliefs. He felt like he was being controlled by destructive behavior and violence. One of the spiritual beliefs of his people was if women birthed twins they through one into the river to die. Tesfahun knew he was born a twin and his twin was condemned to die at birth.
This story had some truth about these people and their culture. The story goes on to where Tesfahun believed he wouldn't survive among his people so he and the reader crossed the river not knowing what kind of life would he have there. Read on for more story plots to unravel.
I enjoyed This Early Reviewer Book even though it needed some editing. The story is about a young teen who lives in Ethiopia with a tribe of Akarains. With no knowledge of any other human civilization the teenage boy, Tesfahun lived across the Omo River, and he was told never to cross the river because the people there are their enemies.
Tesfahun was at the age of questioning his people's rules and lives, including his parents. As he was coming to the age of physical and spiritual maturity he couldn't understand his people's symbolic deaths and beliefs. He felt like he was being controlled by destructive behavior and violence. One of the spiritual beliefs of his people was if women birthed twins they through one into the river to die. Tesfahun knew he was born a twin and his twin was condemned to die at birth.
This story had some truth about these people and their culture. The story goes on to where Tesfahun believed he wouldn't survive among his people so he and the reader crossed the river not knowing what kind of life would he have there. Read on for more story plots to unravel.
July 25, 2023
This was a decent story with plenty of depth. It took me a few chapters to really get a feel for it but I was surprised by the way the author describes the scenes, like you are right there in the mix. I felt at times there were some very hollow parts of the book, they just sort of droned on. That being said, I'd say that this was a good read.
November 4, 2023
In The Cry of Dry Bones, author N.T. McQueen gives us a view of a culture few of us may be familiar with, adeptly reeling us in with his empathy for his characters and his sharp eye for detail. He explores the harsh lives of Ethiopian tribesmen vying against one another. It’s a violent life, one that the protagonist, Tesfahun (a member of the Akura tribe), is born into and is his reality. We see a life focused on survival and battles with neighboring tribes. But this world conflicts with Tesfahun’s own youthful views that he will not be like his father, the Great Warrior, and that, unlike the creed frequently expressed by others around him “It is better to die than to live without killing,” this is not the only way to live.
We follow Tes and see the effect on him of losses in his tribe, the tribe’s rituals and superstitions, and the way other tribesmen deal with the world they live in. Teshahun participates in a ritualistic initiation into manhood, despite his general disagreement with the values and beliefs of his father and his culture. He flees the tribe after discovering horrible secrets of the tribe, after which he journeys away from such life, is saved by a reclusive stranger who teaches him to hunt and to fight, and then on to another group of fighters led by a former Akura member who has rebelled from the values of the Akura and set out on his own as a rebel fighter and killer, seeing only enemies in other tribes. During this journey, in each phase of his evolution, the protagonist is fittingly renamed by his compatriots, as he transforms from a boy to that which he once wished and vowed that he would not become – a fighter and killer. And during the whole story, we feel ourselves cheering the protagonist on, and at the same time fearing for him, wondering whether he ever be able to escape the violent life he was born into and seems trapped in; will he ever find peace in the world?
This is an exciting tale that keeps the reader hanging on, hoping with each turn of the page, each violent encounter, that there is some escape for this young warrior from the rough, violent road he is on, and from all the horrible acts and injustices he has encountered. And, the author does not let us down in the end. In this amazing tale, N.T. McQueen takes us on an incredible journey that you will not want to miss.
--Mitchell Waldman, author of Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers
We follow Tes and see the effect on him of losses in his tribe, the tribe’s rituals and superstitions, and the way other tribesmen deal with the world they live in. Teshahun participates in a ritualistic initiation into manhood, despite his general disagreement with the values and beliefs of his father and his culture. He flees the tribe after discovering horrible secrets of the tribe, after which he journeys away from such life, is saved by a reclusive stranger who teaches him to hunt and to fight, and then on to another group of fighters led by a former Akura member who has rebelled from the values of the Akura and set out on his own as a rebel fighter and killer, seeing only enemies in other tribes. During this journey, in each phase of his evolution, the protagonist is fittingly renamed by his compatriots, as he transforms from a boy to that which he once wished and vowed that he would not become – a fighter and killer. And during the whole story, we feel ourselves cheering the protagonist on, and at the same time fearing for him, wondering whether he ever be able to escape the violent life he was born into and seems trapped in; will he ever find peace in the world?
This is an exciting tale that keeps the reader hanging on, hoping with each turn of the page, each violent encounter, that there is some escape for this young warrior from the rough, violent road he is on, and from all the horrible acts and injustices he has encountered. And, the author does not let us down in the end. In this amazing tale, N.T. McQueen takes us on an incredible journey that you will not want to miss.
--Mitchell Waldman, author of Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers
May 26, 2023
The Cry of Dry Bones is a novel researched and based on true events. It follows the exploits of a young African teenager who flees his homeland and journeys through the land of his tribe’s enemies, later finding his place with Christian missionaries.
Young Tesfahun, on the cusp of going through the ceremony marking his passage into manhood, has mixed feelings and doubts about his life and his tribe’s beliefs. As situations occur, Tesfahun is faced with a life of brutality marked by revenge. He loses many friends and learns of children sacrificed to the Gods for the welfare and sake of his tribe including his own twin brother. Still, their conditions do not improve.
Readers are immersed in Tesfahun’s travels in the hostile land as he narrowly escapes death several times, under difficult circumstances and with different tribes in his quest to survive somewhere with kinder beliefs.
N. T. McQueen has masterfully captured the brutal and unforgiving nature of these ancient African cultures. The Cry of Dry Bones is a vivid portrait of a young boy’s journey as he navigates his way through changes that transform his life.
I found McQueen’s book to be memorable and a very good read, especially for those wanting to explore various African cultures. Your heart will go out to the Mingi children! Highly recommend.
Young Tesfahun, on the cusp of going through the ceremony marking his passage into manhood, has mixed feelings and doubts about his life and his tribe’s beliefs. As situations occur, Tesfahun is faced with a life of brutality marked by revenge. He loses many friends and learns of children sacrificed to the Gods for the welfare and sake of his tribe including his own twin brother. Still, their conditions do not improve.
Readers are immersed in Tesfahun’s travels in the hostile land as he narrowly escapes death several times, under difficult circumstances and with different tribes in his quest to survive somewhere with kinder beliefs.
N. T. McQueen has masterfully captured the brutal and unforgiving nature of these ancient African cultures. The Cry of Dry Bones is a vivid portrait of a young boy’s journey as he navigates his way through changes that transform his life.
I found McQueen’s book to be memorable and a very good read, especially for those wanting to explore various African cultures. Your heart will go out to the Mingi children! Highly recommend.
November 3, 2023
The first thing that came to mind when I'd finished the book was how little things have changed. Compared with today's society only the weapons and the scale seem to have become more deadly. And if there's no war going on, then the battlefields have changed and coming of age means to be prepared for a society where your worth is measured in profits.
As with the kings in the story whose decisions were just taken for granted, so we still plunge into wars on command and let many of our coming of age sons be killed, crippled or (mentally) lamed in far away countries, often for no good reason at all (Iraq).
Even the the cruelty, vindication and the calls for vengeance are still the same (Israel and Hamas) and all parties are still fighting with God on their side. Obviously God is still everywhere (even on the battlefields). Only in our society he has become Mammon, the God of Greed.
The verdict:
However, the book is well written and the story appealing, the reader gets sucked into the story and the author has a keen eye for detail, although sometimes sentences are a bit (too) "flowery" and hard to follow (dialogues) to my taste.
As with the kings in the story whose decisions were just taken for granted, so we still plunge into wars on command and let many of our coming of age sons be killed, crippled or (mentally) lamed in far away countries, often for no good reason at all (Iraq).
Even the the cruelty, vindication and the calls for vengeance are still the same (Israel and Hamas) and all parties are still fighting with God on their side. Obviously God is still everywhere (even on the battlefields). Only in our society he has become Mammon, the God of Greed.
The verdict:
However, the book is well written and the story appealing, the reader gets sucked into the story and the author has a keen eye for detail, although sometimes sentences are a bit (too) "flowery" and hard to follow (dialogues) to my taste.
October 3, 2023
N.T. McQueen brings us a tense, heartwarming, and suspensefully intriguing coming of age thriller with The Cry of Dry Bones! Young Tesfahun’s tribe is nestled in the Omo Valley of Africa, cut off from the modern world. Here, he encounters many violent practices, and when he discovers a dark secret, he flees into the territory of his tribe’s enemies. It is here that he meets his greatest challenges, and a path to grow. McQueen highlights a mythology that has very rarely been explored, but it’s his attention and focus on Tesfahun’s character in addition to this greater plot that powers this novel. I felt for Tesfahun and tensely read as the boy struggled through some hard things. There is beauty in this world of McQueen’s, beauty amongst the danger and violence, which stuck with me long after reading. If you love coming of age tales, exploring Africa, or delving into mythology, definitely come heed The Cry of Dry Bones!
January 19, 2024
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Set in Ethiopia, among the Akara tribe, The cry of dry bones is a coming of age story of young Tesfahun who starts questioning his beliefs and the style of life he leads with his tribe full of revenge and killing.
The story teaches us about the biases and what lays beyond them, though it is slow paced, it can help the reader question different events happening and why the tribe and characters have these perceived ideas. it's the exploration of a culture that many of us today do not know or are unfamiliar with.
although the story itself is intriguing, the pacing is slow and the writing style is lacks a depth of emotions that doesn't convey well for me. it feels detached in certain moments which breaks the flow of immersion for the reader.
overall, it's an interesting book to read on themes of revenge, survival, tribes and coming of age.
Set in Ethiopia, among the Akara tribe, The cry of dry bones is a coming of age story of young Tesfahun who starts questioning his beliefs and the style of life he leads with his tribe full of revenge and killing.
The story teaches us about the biases and what lays beyond them, though it is slow paced, it can help the reader question different events happening and why the tribe and characters have these perceived ideas. it's the exploration of a culture that many of us today do not know or are unfamiliar with.
although the story itself is intriguing, the pacing is slow and the writing style is lacks a depth of emotions that doesn't convey well for me. it feels detached in certain moments which breaks the flow of immersion for the reader.
overall, it's an interesting book to read on themes of revenge, survival, tribes and coming of age.
January 8, 2024
The Cry of Dry Bones was an interesting read. It tells the story of a child in a fictional tribe in Ethiopia who is at the cusp of becoming a man. He's a gentle soul who wishes life weren't so cruel. His mother is depressed. His father is a great warrior and hunter. His uncle is a drunk. His best friend's older brother is killed in a botched attempt at vengeance. Losing someone he was close to and watching the impact on his best friend and his mother pushes Tesfahun over the edge. Events that follow are intense, with Tesfahun's survival at stake. Along the way he faces difficult choices, observes terrible acts, and does what it takes to survive, all while seeking an identity he could live with.
The book is based on current tribal practices.
I enjoyed the writing story. I was able to sit in the character's head and feel what he feels. I am a person that gets stuck on details and the "believability" of a book. If I look past that I see a well written story about a character I was invested in.
Mentioned in the author notes we learn more of his exposure to issues in this book. My next goal is to watch the documentary Omo Child: The River and the Bush. The author mentions it specifically and I got the impression that it served as character inspiration.
I received an early review copy (ERC) through LibraryThing. I am hopeful an editor corrected the handful of grammar errors I noted in the ERC edition. That is my only hard critique. My soft critique is that there is religious influence in the book and I worry how that may warp the book's voice. My rating is 3.5 stars.
The book is based on current tribal practices.
I enjoyed the writing story. I was able to sit in the character's head and feel what he feels. I am a person that gets stuck on details and the "believability" of a book. If I look past that I see a well written story about a character I was invested in.
Mentioned in the author notes we learn more of his exposure to issues in this book. My next goal is to watch the documentary Omo Child: The River and the Bush. The author mentions it specifically and I got the impression that it served as character inspiration.
I received an early review copy (ERC) through LibraryThing. I am hopeful an editor corrected the handful of grammar errors I noted in the ERC edition. That is my only hard critique. My soft critique is that there is religious influence in the book and I worry how that may warp the book's voice. My rating is 3.5 stars.
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