Staying Out of Hell

by James Alexander Thom, Mari Silveus (Photographer)

James Alexander Thom, bestselling author of two magnificent historical novels, says about his modern novel, Staying Out of

"Like my character, Scotty Montgomery, I grew up in the idyllic prewar Midwest, was a Marine, and later a journalist appalled by the apparent cheapness of life and the world's casual disregard for human suffering. Like my protagonist, I am unable to reconcile my country's two the citadel of humane idealism, and the leading world merchant of death-dealing weapons.  I hope by this novel to awaken our benumbed souls to the awful absurdities with which we live."

330 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 12, 1985

About the author

James Alexander Thom (born 1933) is an American author, most famous for his works in the Western genre. Born in Gosport, Indiana, he graduated from Butler University and served in the United States Marine Corps. He is a former professor of journalism at Indiana University, and a contributor to the The Saturday Evening Post. His fifth wife, Dark Rain Thom was a member of the Shawnee United Remnant Band until its dissolution; the Thoms presently live in the "Indiana hill country" near Bloomington.

Reviews

[Feliks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not much a fan of all the contemporary, fast, loud, American fiction which we now see trumpeted and touted all-the-time. Glossy, hyped-up, Oprah recommended.. 'Memory Keeper's Daughter'; 'Da Vinci Code', 'Fifty Shades of Gray' and 'Hunger Games'--just "internet sensations". Questionable worth. Peering beneath the hoopla, they're invariably stale; predictable; thin on substance; and their authors' and agents' voices are hoarse with self-promotion. I can't trust 'em.

That's not the case with this title, 'Staying out of Hell'. This simple but profound book made it into print via the normal route of a publishing house; it never received fanfare or buzz. It was simply one of thousands of solid, undistinguished works which the internet has made people forget. Somewhere, some editor got it right when he gave this novel the seal-of-approval. That's what publishers typically did, mind you..they vetted books for quality (and did a damn fine job, most of the time!)

This story came my way accidentally...I picked it up without expecting much--but I've never forgotten it. Although I didn't seek it out--this innocuous work is exactly the kind of modern fiction I admire. Completely unsung and unknown; it earns its merit with you quietly, but vigorously--without help of hoopla and networking. It has no 'cachet'. It has no 'potential for franchising' or 'marketable properties'. Its a story about basic human values. A quiet little parable about good vs evil. Nothing sexy, slow paced, little action.

Whoever this guy is (James Thom, seems to be a writer of historical fiction) he hit this one out of the ballpark. It is written with HEART. Its a weird and unforgettable story and resonates long after you set it aside.

Take it from a jaded reader who has seen it all. This is the one I'd seek out, if I were you.

[Dennis Billuni · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Alexander Thom, best known for writing meticulously researched historical novels, particularly about Native Americans, has written a modern and marvelous coming-of-age novel, which I suspect is somewhat autobiographical, as his protagonist, Scott Montgomery, is of an age with the author. Beginning at six years old and his first “big boy” haircut—all by himself—in the barbershop of KKK leader and father of the boy—Billy Bob Skaggs—who will become Scott’s arch-nemesis in so many ways, the tale of childhood trauma (physical and emotional) engages the reader on myriad levels and stunningly illuminates Scott’s transformation from gung-ho Marine to avowed and conflicted pacifism. The only caveat which prevents this from being a 5-star read for me (and I suspect it may be own failing as much as the author’s) is the way he ends the novel with a 2-page poem, which I did NOT appreciate since Thom writes such fantastic prose.

[Weradi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a former marine-turned passivist who allows his jealousy and pent up hatred to lead to his destruction. I have enjoyed everything I read by this author.