Narrow the Road

by James Wade

In this gripping coming-of-age odyssey, a young man’s quest to reunite his family takes him on a life-altering journey through the wilds of 1930s East Texas, where both danger and opportunity grow as thick as the pines.

With his father missing and his mother gravely ill, William Carter is struggling to keep his family’s cotton farm afloat in the face of drought and foreclosure. As his options wane, William receives a mysterious letter that claims to know his father’s whereabouts.

Together with his best friend Ollie, a mortician in training, William sets out to find his father and bring him home to set things right. But before the boys can complete their quest, they must navigate the labyrinth of the Big Thicket, some of the country’s most uncharted, untamed land. Along the way they encounter eccentric backwoods characters of every order, running afoul of murderers, bootleggers, and even the legendary Bonnie and Clyde.

But the danger is doubled when the boys agree to take on a medicine show runaway named Lena, eliciting the ire of the show’s leader, the nefarious con man Doctor Downtain. As William, Ollie, and Lena race to uncover the clues and find William’s father, Downtain is closing in on them, readying to make good on his violent reputation. With the clock ticking, William must decide where his loyalties lie and how far he’s willing to go for the people he loves.

From award-winning author James Wade, Narrow the Road is a riveting exploration of a young man’s hard-won coming-of-age and the courageous ways a person can forge a singular path in the face of overwhelming adversity. Alive with grit and tenderness, this is an unforgettable story of the power of friendship to sustain us through loss, betrayal, and devastating consequence.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Audiobook, Coming Of Age, Westerns, Historical

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Librarian note:
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For other authors of this name, see:

James Wade - Editor, Publishing

James Wade - Historical Fiction, Fiction, Thriller

Reviews

[Canadian Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So begins the journey of a teenage William looking for his father with his best friend, Ollie. His mother is gravely ill, they are about to lose their home, and his dad is off fighting war demons.
It’s in the thick summer heat in Texas.
Along their travels they encounter a fighting ape; a drunk monk; and pick up a runaway girl who decides to join them. But she is being hunted and now the trio have to make a detour.

The story is told mainly from William’s perspective although mid way we get his father’s story on what is keeping him from returning through his diary. The fight for veteran’s bonds; fight for democracy. The humanity that is lacking in war; the men who didn’t return home; the depression that follows; the faith that falters.

This was a compelling read. Light hearted moments between friends and also more intense ones as the group faced their predators and William read Thomas’s words. Richly drawn characters with humour along the way.

This apparently is a coming of age story but is NOT YA.
4.25⭐️

Kudos to Wade for including a map which I referenced frequently.

[Angela M · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Listen close, friend. Can you hear it ? You know that rhythm. You can feel it beating. Withered and worn, but still this boy’s heart beats as if it were your own. Even as you shake your head, his heart is your own.” James Wade made me feel it.

“There were bands of moonlight loosely held by the clouds that covered them but mostly there was darkness and past the door of the barn it was darker still. The boy watched his father walk alone into the black of it all, himself but a shadow returning home.” He made me see it.

A boy becomes a man in this beautifully written and heartbreaking story taking place in Texas in 1932. Fifteen year old William Carter discovers who he is, experiences the depth of friendship that knows no bounds, comes to understand a lot more about life than most fifteen year olds, actually more than most adults for that matter. Facing his grief over his gravely ill mother, a drought destroying their cotton crop, an impending foreclosure, a wandering war veteran father, William sees no recourse except to search for his father. With his best friend Ollie, William travels “The Big Thicket”, a huge and dense forest in Texas. It’s a wild journey, as they encounter both good and evil people along the way. It’s excellent historical fiction depicting this snapshot in time - the Great Depression , prohibition, medicine men, the horrible effects of World War I on so many men represented here by William’s father.

I shed a few tears with a hopeful feeling that William would be okay. This is the first book I have read by James Wade and I cannot figure out how I had missed reading him in the past . That will definitely change as I cannot pass on his incredible writing, storytelling and characters to remember. A favorite of 2025 for sure.

I received a copy of this from Blackstone through NetGalley and Edelweiss.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The power of this novel has left me reeling. I am not generally a fan of coming-of-age stories, particularly when they involve teenage boys - - but this was something totally different. Set in Texas during the Depression, this novel centers around William (16) in his quest to find his father. William faces a terminally ill mother, a failed cotton crop and imminent foreclosure of his family farm, and makes the decision to find his father, a WWI veteran, and bring him home. He is joined by his friend, Ollie, who works in his family’s mortuary business. The farm scenes, including those with William’s mother, are fully and heartbreakingly described.

William and Ollie travel through east Texas where they meet many different people, including a medicine show con man and a reclusive healer, known locally as a witch. They are joined by a teenage girl who is escaping after being sold by her mother. (Yes, this is a very sad novel.)

The description of the beauty of nature that surrounds this trio of travelers is absolutely outstanding. The young people walk in the woods by day and sleep out at night, and every aspect of the natural world they experience is wonderfully described. Of course nature is beautiful, powerful and dangerous. Just as they witness gorgeous things, they also suffer from nature’s harsh side (such as a venous snakebite). Animals in the forest are part of the story as well. In addition the ape (who is pictured on the cover) plays a wonderful role in the narrative.

William and his friends suffer from poverty and the vicissitudes of nature, but as they travel, the heart of the novel consists of their facing of countless failures, deceptions and harms and philosophizing about them – and about life. For me, these were not typical “coming of age” comments; rather, they were thoughts and statements about trying to understand life that could apply to anyone of any age. Here is one example:

“Are you going to be alright?” [[A question posed by a man to William towards the end of the novel.]]
“I’m not sure but I don’t think I’m supposed to be sure. I think if we were sure about everything all the time, then there’d be something missing from all this.”

One other theme in the novel was the impact of WWI on William’s missing father. His damage from being a lieutenant in the trenches of WWI is devastating and life altering. Strong themes of the lifelong effects of war and the resulting questioning of faith as well as relentless guilt are beautifully portrayed through William’s father.

I listened to the audio version, which I recommend. The readers captured the characters’ spirits very well.

The novel is set in Texas during the Depression, but the manner in which it takes on universal issues could place it anywhere in the US – and almost at any time. This author captured two things I dearly love – nature and philosophy of life – and all with lovely writing. I will try to remember the quote below when I need it (which seems to be often at this point in life!): “So long as you keep on going you’re never out of it. Even if you don’t find what you’re looking for you just keep going.”

[James Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping with the tradition I started when ALL THINGS LEFT WILD was published, I’ll be my hundredth rating. 4.5 stars. It’s the closest I’ve come to getting it right. Back to work.

[Chelsea (ChelsBookStop) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“So long as you keep going, you’re never out of it. You understand that? Even if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you just keep going. You understand?”

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars aren’t enough.

I have gushed (and still do) about James Wade’s four previous books. NARROW THE ROAD, his fifth, has me sitting here like I’ve forgotten what words are or how they’re used.

Things to know:

Wade has an exceptional ear for dialogue. I could hear these characters speaking, all of them, each with a unique cadence and vocabulary.

We’re firmly planted in the setting and atmosphere. I’ve never been to Texas, and I wasn’t alive in the 1930s, yet I experienced every second of this story as if I were there.

Be prepared to FEEL everything. Wade’s writing is evocative. He knows that words have power, and he uses them with precision.

This story goes deep. Sure, you could give it a quick read and enjoy the journey. But if you take your time and let yourself fall into it, you’ll emerge emotionally wrung out but smiling from a transformative experience.

[Scott Bielinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wade remains one of my favorite prophets of Hope. And this is my favorite of his calls to walk the narrow path, bearing witness to life’s terrible beauty.

“And when at last he came down from the mountain, he passed among the travelers on the narrow road and they saw that his face was radiant.” (288)

[Cathy VanLear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I have finished the reading of Narrow the Road, this novel will linger in my thoughts for a while. The real life characters became tangible to me as I laughed, cried, and rooted for and with them. The novel brought the struggles of the Great Depression to life in palpable imagery. I thoroughly enjoyed the lush descriptions of the Texas territories from the farmlands to the forest to the swamps. The four star rating was given due to the slow pace at various times throughout the novel although this increased as the novel progressed. Narrow the Road leaves me with much to mull over, to contemplate and digest as to the complexity of our hearts. Thanks to Goodreads for the opportunity to enjoy this endearing novel and loving characters and for the chance to meet a new-to-me and very talented author, James Wade.

[Carol Ann Tack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just terrific, as Wade’s books always are.

[Greg Cantrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, but Not Engaging
This "coming of age" (hmmm?) story about a nearly grown teenage boy and his best friend going out across Texas during the early years of the Great Depression to search for a missing father had glimmers of promise. I wanted to like the story and the characters and especially the journey itself -- but unfortunately the book was underwhelming and kind of immature in my opinion.

Hats Off For:
1. I found a large part of the writing very descriptive and interesting. The dialogue was especially strong and it seemed like I was actually witnessing a conversation when some of the characters were talking to one another.
2. Although the story itself seemed kind of thin, it did move along decently fast.
3. Roger Clark was the narrator for the Audible version of this book and did a great job. He conveyed a believable Texas accent and made the story much more interesting. Well done, sir!

Maybe it Was Just Me:
1. I didn't buy in that a boy with a dying mother would leave home (for who knows how long?) to go find a wandering father. He had no actual idea where he was and just sort of took off on a whim and limited money. Then he would spend money randomly on restaurant food and a hotel. What? No. In the Great Depression? Just, no...
2. I didn't like the ending and if I'd known it was going to be so underwhelming (for me), I'd have DNF'd it way back when it started to lose its steam.
3. OK -- this was particularly bad -- when Ollie is bitten by a poisonous snake, the witch CUTS OFF HIS hand, and even with some sort of potion (for pain?) he was pretty much up and back to normal almost immediately. WHAT? I would imagine that such a surgery would really zap a person's health and energy -- and wouldn't it be depressing? No. This was the biggest plot hole and just bad.

This is a 2* for me. I am sure others would find more positive aspects of the story and I commend them for that. I think more research and more development in a few areas would have improved this book quite a lot. It just wasn't my jam, though.

[Cranky Commentary (Melinda)]

DNF at 35%. This might be a great read for others. The prose is lofty, but unfortunately the language of the 15 year old Texas boys is also grandiose and out of character.

I also can’t tolerate books with animal cruelty. That’s just me. On to the next book.

[Michele Boyarsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s taken me a while to collect my thoughts on this book. In fact, it took me a while just to sit down with this book, having requested it in June, starting it in July, and finishing it in August. I could tell from the Prologue this was one I needed to prep for—you know, clear my work plate, make room in my social schedule, get the house cleaned. Once I jumped in, I knew I’d be in it.

My hunch was correct and I am now left with the kind of book hangover that can only be cured with copious amounts of yellow Gatorade—i.e., historical romance novels I’ve already read at least twice.

I’ve always been a sucker for a good setting and, as I’ve aged, have become a total addict to a good, propulsive plot. James Wade’s Narrow the Road promises both—and it delivers. East Texas in the dredges of the 1930s Depression ensures this story starts with plenty of meat on the bone. The economic, emotional, and frankly, existential weight of that era hangs over every page, making this the perfect setting for a Western that wants to be more than just guns and grit. Here, “heading West” is not hopeful or freeing, for most it’s not even a choice. It’s a last resort, a move born of desperation. Every character, whether main or background, feels like they are moving away from something rather than toward it, whether it is a tangible threat, uncomfortable truth, or crushing national crisis.

There are many comparisons to John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath in conversations of this book. But, unlike Steinbeck, who in my opinion spent entirely too much page count describing dust, Wade tempers the exposition and reins in the scenery to a vivid but blessedly disciplined threshold. Enough that I could smell the earth, feel the humidity, and wonder at the varied terrain these characters were navigating, but not so much that I was sighing and jumping ahead to get back to the action.

And, make no mistake, there is plenty of action—this book’s blurb is not exaggerating when it uses the words “gripping coming-of-age odyssey.” I was enthusiastically hooked, turning pages with no good guesses as to what fresh hell would present itself on this journey.

Readers can certainly enjoy this book on a surface level, taking in the story of a young boy setting out to find his father and fix his broken family during a broken time. There is plenty of energetic dialogue to bask in, and eccentric side characters whose personalities jump off the page. However, if you are willing to sink into the emotional current rippling through this work, and wade deeper into the thematic elements of loyalty, grief, guilt, faith, and redemption that are practically boiling beneath the surface—then, shoo, you are in for something special.

5 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! For fans of young-person coming-of-age/quest books, this is one to add to your list.

Sixteen year old William is living in the beginning of the depression (1930s) in Texas hill country, with a house about to be foreclosed upon, a cotton field gone to pot, a dying mom, and a disappeared dad.

He sets out with his best friend Ollie to track his dad’s last whereabouts and bring his dad home to help convince his mom to go to Houston for treatment. He gets way more than he bargained for while making his way across the unforgiving land.

This isn’t a new plot idea- and it’s been done with more detail in “Lincoln Highway” and “Once Upon a River” but this humble tale was a page turner for me and I’ll certainly read more from Mr. Wade.

My favorite interaction (page 265):

“But you’re not saving anyone. You’re just lying to them.”
“Ah, and they need the lies”
“They need the lies?”
“Of course they do. We all do. There was a time when everything we did was to survive, now everything we do is to distract ourselves from the fact that we won’t.”

[Emma Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second James Wade read, and it did not disappoint. Both Narrow the Road and Hollow Out the Dark (2024) are great reads if you enjoy any of these things:

1) atmospheric Southern Gothic vibes- Narrow the Road is a much a love letter to Texas ecology as it is anything else. For the same reasons that I adored the lush descriptions of swampland in Where the Crawdads Sing, I really savored the varied landscapes of this novel. You get the Texas forests, the backroads, the farmlands, and everything in between, and for me, this is where Wade’s writing really shines

2) characters with strong moral compasses who you just really want to root for- this is what will bring me back to James Wade’s writing. I want characters that I find endearing. I want characters who will do the right thing. And Narrow the Road delivers on both fronts. William and Ollie are both delightful, in some ways reminiscent of an older Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn dynamic duo

3) Cleverly woven history that doesn’t feel forced or like it’s overshadowing the plot- the American history (Clyde Barrow, Prohibition, the Great Depression, the plight of veterans in TX and across the country) informs the plot and touches every aspect of the novel, but it is so cleanly interlaced with William’s story that it isn’t until you finish reading that you realize how much historical research probably went into this book.

I’d recommend Wade to anyone (especially fellow Texans) who craves immersive, atmospheric writing (the Texas natural backdrop almost feels like an unnamed main character), anyone who, like me, just wants relatable and lovable characters, and anyone who really digs this era of American history.

My only complaint is the pacing is a bit slow for me, but it does pick up towards the end. And there are times, as in Hollow Out the Dark, where a quote will feel too heavy-handed to have been uttered by a sixteen-year-old farmer in the 30s, and it disrupted the immersion for me, but I can forgive that for the equally frequent moments of beautiful prose that I have bookmarked and will have to share once this book is published.

Many thanks to James Wade and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC.

[David Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Woody Guthrie & Mark Twain had ever collaborated on a book….it may well have been called, Narrow the Road. Indeed, the three young protagonists of the novel reminded me of Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, & Scout (*from To Kill a Mockingbird). The crux of the story focuses on William, a 15-year old boy who sets out across the dusty plains of Texas during the Great Depression in hopes of tracking down his father and bringing him home before his mother has passed away. Traversing Texas in 1932, William and his two cohorts encounter an endless number of unforgettable characters; including vagabonds, bank robbers, confidence men, a “witch” in the forrest, a gorilla, an evil medicine man, and an alcoholic monk who’s lost his faith. In addition, as William reads his father’s journal during much of the trek, readers soon realize that this is a man struggling with PTSD and the horrors of WWI. All in all, I would classify this novel as both a sad and fascinating glimpse into a very difficult time in American history.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prose: ✅
Roger Clark Narration: ✅
15-year-old farm boy in the 1930’s with bizarrely thoughtful and philosophical internal dialogue: ❌

This ended up being the first James Wade novel that I couldn’t fully get behind. The writing is still strong, but the character voice and some of the plot choices kept me from really buying into the story.

[Brady Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t pull my mind away from yet another superb book from one of my favorite contemporary authors. The story pulls you in. The pain and heartbreak makes the characters so real they might as well be sitting in your living room. And the underlying message of hope amongst despair is so beautiful you need to take a deep breath after closing out a chapter. I just loved this book, and I hope more people discover Wade.

“I asked that he choose between his rage and his pain. In pain there is growth, there are the seeds of empathy and kindness and grace. In rage there is nothing. It is a mindless endeavor. Weak and unaccountable. But he was not ready to part with it. It has consumed him, I’m afraid. Will you let it consume you as well?”

“They need the lies … There was a time when everything we did was to survive, now everything we do is to distract ourselves from the fact that we won’t. The whole of humanity has turned to one distraction or another. What do I sell that the churches don’t? The fortune tellers, even the doctors - peddlers of lies, and who are we to blame them? Do we not tell ourselves lies?”

[Scott Semegran · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Wade’s new novel, NARROW THE ROAD, is an adventure story of historical fiction featuring three young adults. The main character, William, is searching for his father to bring him back to their family’s troubled farm and William’s sick mother. This novel is set in the 1930s and is somewhere in-between THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN and THE BODY. By far, this is my favorite novel of Wade’s. It crackles with his trademark prose style, yet is more than an atmospheric novel. It is a beautiful story about friendship and family, and its existence elevates Wade from a revered writer to an exceptional storyteller. If Wade has been on his way to greatness up to this point with his previous four novels, then with his latest novel, he has arrived. Highly recommended!

[Mackenzie Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - didn’t love but was solid. A little bit adventure (huck fin vibes), found family, leaving anger behind.

[Aaron Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason I picked up this book was because of the Gorilla on the cover. I thought it might be an interesting read. After reading Narrow the Road, I am so glad I picked it up. The story made me feel like I was in the Great Depression, and the story reminded me of the movie, O Brother Where Art Thou. William's growth as a man during the story is not only great but by the end of the book gives a sense of melancholy. This is also one of the few books I've read that dived into the mental trauma that soldiers had to deal with after World War 1. Seeing the effect that it had on William's father is heartbreaking, especially when getting glimpses of his character before and after the war. Just a great read.

Also, I got to meet James Wade at the Louisiana Book Festival and got my copy signed before I read the book. He is a very nice guy and it was a pleasure to meet him. If James does read these reviews, just know that I did "dig it". Thank you for signing and I will definitely be getting more of your books.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second novel by James Wade, and again he didn’t disappoint. Narrow the Road is a lyrical and gripping coming-of-age story following 16-year-old William on a search for his absentee father in Texas during the Great Depression. He embarks on his quest with his best friend Ollie (an apprentice mortician) and meets a cast of characters, both charming and nefarious along the way. Wade is a master of character development through dialogue, evoking hints of Cormac McCarthy.

[Tino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful writing and a good, simple story. I agree with the author that this is the closest he has gotten to ”getting it right”. 4 stars.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. Great writing. Great narrator.

[Michelle Tuite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading 2025
Book 161: Narrow the Road by James Wade

Thank you #NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review. Read on my Kindle.

Synopsis: In this thrilling Southern Gothic odyssey, a young man’s quest to reunite his family takes him on a life-altering journey through the wilds of 1930s East Texas, where danger and doubt grow as thick as the pines.

Review: Hmmm, I thought about my review of this book all through the journey the main character takes to find his wayward father. What kept me reading was William, the 15 year old main character, his perfect side kick, Ollie, and the excellent addition of Lena along the journey. William is a thoughtful, sensitive, and courageous young man trying to make sense of his parents in Depression era East Texas. Ollie is a hot tempered impulsive teen who is by William for whatever comes their way. With these guys the book felt YA, but with so many adult themes to tackle. The twists in the book kept me reading to see what would happen to the kids. I keep thinking about these characters after the book is over, which to me is a sign I enjoyed the book.

The chapters, more like asides of the veteran father’s story detracted from the story for me, mostly because of the language. Language throughout the book seemed out of place, more refined story telling than the time period and education level of the characters warranted for me. It distracted from, instead of enhanced the plot.

Recommend this book to historical fiction fans out there who would like a unique journey into the wilds of East Texas. Should there be a sequel and I could get a glimpse into William and Ollie’s lives as adults with their own families that would be something I would read for sure.

[John Hauser · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - There was enough here to keep me intrigued, but it felt like it was missing something. Very well written.

[Dave Knefley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing wrong with this one set in 1930s East Texas. The story is fine, altho the wording is a bit flowery. I agree with some others that the voice of the young mc seemed a bit more mature than his age would imply, but it only bothered me at first. 3.5 stars rounded down cuz I kinda wanted a happy ending despite it being drilled into the readers that they'd get no such thing.

[LL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm of two minds. On one hand I feel like this should have been tightened up more; there are parts which just drag and to no benefit to the storytelling. On the other hand some of the best parts of the book are the bits that wander.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. The writing is often quite good. The story and setting are generally interesting. The descriptions are vivid and immersive. It seems to be well-researched and respectful of history. I'll look for more works by this author.




I received a free copy for review; all opinions are my own.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice original descriptive prose. But main characters' skills, actions/reactions, and dialog hardly credible for ages 15–16. Storyline ultimately led nowhere. Expected more, based on book description.

[Bella B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had the honor of being a James Wade fan from the start, and the reward continues to grow richer by the year. In his latest coming-of-age triumph, you’re faced with a protagonist (William) who carries grit, heart, courage, and empathy—all the qualities you'd want in a main character. But there’s a catch—in the race to save his mother (and find his father), time is a luxury, and all the running in the world can’t stop him from facing the truth.

I truly connected with the MC, and felt the heartbreak he did when confronting harsh truths at an age too tender to comprehend them. As William journeys forward—piecing together his father’s past through the pages of a diary—what unfolds isn’t just a search for a man, but for meaning, identity, and closure. The father never steps onto the page himself, yet his presence looms large. There’s a particular ache in trying to understand a father who cannot yet understand himself. Told through diary entries, the father’s voice peels back layers of guilt and grief, revealing just how deeply pain can travel through generations. Each entry is a window: cracked, fogged, and, at times, unexpectedly clear.

While your heartstrings are undoubtedly being tugged, Wade continues to showcase his mastery of levity—introducing a sidekick best friend who is more than comic relief; he’s a slap of reality meets harebrained genius, an integral piece of William’s journey. Full of mischief yet fiercely loyal, Ollie stands up, speaks out, and fights for his friend—and for what’s right. Then there’s Lena. Binding the trio together, she carries a heart as bold as a lion. Like William, she’s seen too much far too soon, and Wade gives her story the dignity it deserves. And even when faced with choices that challenge your affection, Wade’s narrative power ensures you never let go of your empathy. It’s a rare gift—to make us love a character we might not like in the end—and he does it with grace. You root for her. For all of them.

I could go on about the characters forever, but that would keep me from one of the most breathtaking elements of NARROW—the vivid, immersive imagery. As a Floridian who shares a love for the lush, murky ecosystem of swamps, mangroves, and glades, Wade’s depictions didn’t just transport me—they comforted me. I didn’t just read the scenes; I saw them unfold like a film reel in my mind.
Woven into that rich landscape is well-researched historical detail that never feels forced, and unforgettable side characters who toe the line between legend and reality.

There’s a difference between storytelling that informs and storytelling that transcends. Wade does the latter. He inhabits his worlds—and lets us in. Not by merely describing the setting, but by evoking a sense of home, of soul, of time and memory. It’s a rare magic, and he wields it with quiet, devastating precision.

If I were to compare this to one of his prior works, I’d say "All Things Left Wild" is the closest companion—but truthfully, each James Wade release stands alone as a literary relic. This story made me laugh, cry (more than once), and do what only the greatest stories can do: reflect on my journey—and how I, in my own way, can narrow the road.

5 (billion) stars.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An historical fiction novel with a desperate quest, loyal companions, and coming-of-age.

Narrow the Road by Texas author James Wade is a wonderful work of historical fiction, and with its engaging main characters and gripping plot, it reminded me of a true-to-life, epic fantasy quest set in 1930s Depression-besieged East Texas. The storytelling is mesmerizing, the language immersive, and the atmospheric setting had me glued to the tale from start to finish.

With the bank on the brink of foreclosing on their farm, his cotton crop doomed and rotting in the fields, and his mother slowly dying in her bed as she refuses to travel to Houston for treatment, fifteen-year-old only child William Carter sets out on a journey through East Texas, a last-ditch effort to find his absentee father. Thomas Carter had joined hundreds of fellow WWI veterans to march on Washington, D.C., and appeal to lawmakers to provide benefits to those who’d fought and were left hanging when they returned home. While their protests were disregarded, Thomas had failed to return home to his wife and son; his last communication to them was a cryptic letter sent from another East Texas town, some distance from their farm outside Manning. With his mother on her deathbed, refusing to budge until her husband returns home, William sets out for his father’s last known location, accompanied by his best friend, Ollie Leek.

William is a young man with much too much on his shoulders and long out of options. During their journey, he and Ollie, and later Lena, meet an abundance of characters, both good and bad, including men who had served with or met Thomas Carter. Through the men’s commentary and diary entries, William discovers another side to the man he knows as his father. Ollie is William’s boon companion, and a truer “ride or die” friend would be hard to find. While William is the serious, goal-focused, straight man, Ollie is the much-needed comic relief, the wild hair, the accidental genius, and steadfast, loyal friend who knows William like a brother.

Early on, the action tends to pause at times as the author sidesteps to fortify the overall historical foundation of the story or expand the main characters’ exposure to life at that particular time, resulting in a more immersive experience for the reader. This development proves timely as the action really ramps up later in the story.

The East Texas setting provides a diverse terrain for the main character's quest, with farmland long overdue for rain, deep, dark forests, swampland, and small, barely there towns. Wherever the location, though, the author delivers vivid word pictures that place the reader in the moment alongside his characters. While this is not the first novel of this author that I’ve read, it is my favorite.

I recommend NARROW THE ROAD to readers of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, Depression era, or East Texas settings.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.