The Soft Ground

by Fielding Thomas

This biting satire about a young family lost in a remote jungle while on vacation offers an unconventional examination of the battle between the sexes. Stranded in foreign surroundings through a freakish accident, the group must race against time for salvation. As their situation becomes increasingly dire, their only chance for survival hinges on the less than heroic father Jim. Or, so he believes.

Guilt-ridden and incapable of rising to the task, Jim's mind unravels as the pressure mounts. Meanwhile, his wife and young children cope as best as they can. In the face of impending doom, can he overcome his greatest hindrance--himself--to save them? Or, will he fritter away any chance of rescue and redemption, preoccupied by the incessant meandering of his own thoughts.

This inventive farce about a man's ego and his unflagging ability to vilify those he is supposed to be saving twists in a multitude of directions along with the main character's imagination. Searingly dry humor and a variety of absurd scenarios make this playful story about mindfulness a fast-paced and enjoyable diversion for any reader.

62 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2015

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a strange little book, a tale of Jim, a man who takes a vacation trip with his wife and two kids, only to end up stuck in a mysterious patch of "soft ground" in the middle of a jungle. The story mostly happens in Jim's thoughts, especially those regarding his deteriorating relationship with his wife. The Soft Ground is told with a lot of humor--it has been described as a satire, which I guess is correct. I like many of the descriptions, such as the ecstatic and detailed way Jim sees a tree he is preparing to cut down in the jungle. The plot of this short book feels artificial, incidental to the main character's perspective on his life and current situation. This independently published work also has a number of minor typos; it is in need of another proofreading scrub.

[Irene · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this book at all. I finished it because I thought it would get better, but alas, it did not.
It was dull, boring and a totally self absorbed story by the self centered non hero of the book.

[Sam White · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Soft GroundQuick read with no fluff after the first couple pages about time. Once that concept is established the humor really kicks in, and the pace keeps moving until the unexpected climax. I like the way the protagonist/anti-hero's thoughts drift seamlessly back and forth between huge concepts like time, justice, etc. and the real world events that drive the plot. Although very dark and superficially misogynist, this book follows the conventions of traditional satire, providing an ironic conclusion and closure. Reminds me of works like The Lottery or Aldous Huxley's books of which I am a great fan. Short (60 pages) and compelling enough to finish in one sitting.

[Jessica Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny in a very twisted way! Quite a journey for such a short read.