The Faller: Winner of the North Street Book Prize for Literary Fiction

by Michael Demaray

In the unforgiving wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Leif, the 12-year-old son of a humble pulp wood cutter, finds himself abruptly thrust into the care of his estranged uncle, Garrett.

Under the reluctant guardianship of Uncle Garett, Leif grapples with the grief and guilt of losing both his parents in such a short time. Struggling to make sense of his shattered world, he seeks solace in unexpected places by forging unlikely friendships, and confronting old foes.

But as he navigates the complexities of family feuds, Lief is burdened by a secret so dark, so guarded, that he dare not speak the horrifying truth of what really happened in the woods that fateful day.

As Leif struggles to keep the facts of that nightmarish day concealed, the weight of his deception presses down, casting doubt on any hope of reconciliation with Garrett.

In "The Faller," the natural world serves as both sanctuary and specter, its rugged beauty mirroring the complexities of human connection and the profound mysteries of the human soul. With its raw emotion and unflinching portrayal of resilience from the shattered heart of a teenager, it is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores the depths of loss, love, truth and deception, and the power of the human spirit.

With prose as rich and resonant as the wilderness itself, this evocative tale weaves a poignant narrative that lingers in the reader's heart long after the final page is turned.

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Dr. Naushin Moledina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leif, a 12-year-old boy, witnesses his father dying in the jungle while working. He is upended by his father's death and must go through the grieving process alone. Following the death of his father and mother within 6 months, he becomes an orphan and is placed under the guardianship of his Uncle Garrett, whom he has never liked. How will Leif accept the truth about his father's death? How How is he going to deal with the situation and the timing? Will he ever accept Uncle Garette as his guardian? Grab a copy of the book and find out.

Michael Demaray's novel "The Faller" is a gripping and emotionally charged story set in the harsh, unforgiving wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The plot revolves around Leif, a 12-year-old boy whose life is turned upside down when he loses both parents within six months and is forced into the reluctant care of his estranged uncle Garrett. This novel is an evocative look at grief, resilience, and the complex dynamics of family relationships. Leif's journey is one of intense emotional turmoil and development. As he deals with the grief and guilt of his parents' deaths, he is thrust into a new, difficult environment under Uncle Garrett's supervision.

This novel contains both positive and negative aspects. The narrative revolves around Leif's struggle with a dark secret about what happened in the woods on that fateful day. This secret, shrouded in fear and guilt, is a heavy burden that threatens to break him. The tension surrounding this hidden truth adds to the story's suspense and intrigue, compelling the reader to join Leif in discovering the truth. The gravity of this deception and its impact on Leif's relationship with Garrett are expertly depicted, emphasizing the complexities of trust and reconciliation. The Upper Peninsula's natural setting plays an important role in the novel, serving as both sanctuary and specter. Demaray's prose is rich and resonant, vividly depicting the rugged beauty of the wilderness. This backdrop reflects the complexities of human connection and the deep mysteries of the human soul. The harsh yet beautiful environment highlights Leif's journey, serving as an appropriate metaphor for his emotional landscape.

The novel is mysterious and complex, but it can also be somewhat dull at times, and its intricacies might make reading it challenging. The book's use of slang, such as "didn'tcha" in place of "did not you," adds realism but detracts from the enjoyment for more discerning readers. There are a few grammatical errors that show the book was not edited by a professional.

All things considered, "The Faller" is a moving coming-of-age tale that explores complex themes of love, loss, truth, and deceit. It investigates how the human spirit can persevere and triumph in the face of the most trying situations. Demaray's story is a potent and poignant read because it is full of unfiltered emotion and courageous depictions of resiliency. It is evidence of the resilience of the human spirit and the transforming force of love and truth. Everyone who reads Michael Demaray's story will be left with a lasting impression because it is poignant and unforgettable.
For all the reasons listed above, I give this book a rating of four out of five stars.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten chapters and 2 1/2 hours of reading a beautifully written novella that was like watching a 2 1/2 hour movie. I couldn’t put it down…read it in one sitting. I have so many highlighted, beautifully written phrases and paragraphs. A coming-of-age story of a compassionate 12 year old boy dealing with death, bullying, and a life filled with many questions. I found his thought process beyond his 12 years. I highly recommend this book from this first-time author.

[Michelle Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I truly enjoyed this book. I love that I can recognize the local landscape in the authors writing.
Heartfelt touching story.