Finding Duncan: a novel

by Gretchen Eick

Finding Duncan is a novel set in the American heartland--Wichita, Kansas--and along the North Sea coast of Scotland. It is the story of Duncan Allan, a young American devastated by discovering that his wife is unfaithful. Duncan flees his life to disappear in a fishing village on the northeast coast of Scotland. There an old man and a child help him reinvent himself. When more losses leave him again desolate, he must decide whether to cope or to give in to his despair. The story moves between Duncan and his wife Amy, back in Kansas raising her son within her own reframed life, not understanding why he has abandoned her. When a chance encounter presents an opportunity for reconnection, both must decide whether to find Duncan or finally let him go.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2016

Reviews

[Diane Farnsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Finding Duncan but I didn’t love it. While I enjoyed the spare writing style for the most part, it sometimes was too simple and reminded me of a YA book. Duncan really irritated me by the end of the book. Was he damaged, immature, depressive, a narcissist, or just an a**hole? I concluded it was all of the above.
I like that the author lives in Wichita and teaches at Friends Univ. I recognized all of the landmarks, including the Mexican restaurant at 10th and Waco.

[Sherry Heathman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had trouble with the believability of the many of the character’s actions.

[Capri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again I found myself reading this book for my book club. Initially I liked the idea of a book that takes place in my hometown of Wichita, Kansas. I smiled at the mention of my alma mater Wichita State University and Shocker Basketball. And I delighted in recalling my own memories of the places the author describes in her book. But after awhile, it began to feel more like name dropping and I began to skim over those sections rapidly. The two main characters unfortunately lost most or any of my sympathy almost from the very beginning due to the completely unbelievable storyline. Not a single person in our group loved this book, instead we enjoyed tearing it apart. It really felt that the author wanted to throw in as many horrible and tragic stories she could think of into one book and then struggle to find a way to finish her story. I gave it 3 stars because it had several small good stories, with some good side characters that I liked, but didn't completely finish the task of making a great book.

[Julie Ann Baker Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading Finding Duncan the night before I had an early wakeup call, so allowed myself only one chapter. That was a mistake! The chapters are as intertwined as the lives of the people they represent. The drama unfolds with a touch of mystery, observed from multiple perspectives which Dr. Eick carefully explores and successfully represents. She illustrates how important communication is within relationships—not just between different people, but certainly within oneself. Her story intertwines worldly realities of brokenness with “kaleidoscope moments” of loveliness; and for a quintessential definition of the latter, you will just have to read her book. 😉 (I had posted this a few years ago on Amazon; I'm belatedly getting involved on Goodreads!)

[Tom Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gretchen Eick is a master storyteller. Set in two locations with which she is obviously familiar, this new book relates in vivid detail the tragic yet relatable story of a couple torn apart by innuendo and eventually brought together thanks to a creditable series of occurrences coming together in a surprisingly logical sequence. I highly recommend this work by a talented, articulate author whose future works are certain to bring her attention from an increasingly appreciative audience. Can't wait to read her next novel!

[Jim Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Duncan by Gretchen Eick is a layered, well-crafted novel. I relished meeting Eick’s authentic characters struggling with significant personal problems. The detailed descriptions of Kansas and Scotland are delightful as their residents encounter and cope with life, death, and love.—Jim Potter, author of Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self-Discovery

[Morghan Chambers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable at every turn of the page.