Semaphore

by G.W. Hawkes

Joseph Carl Taft is a boy with a distinguished name and a remarkable ability-- he can see into the future. But his ability is a heavy burden to bear, especially for a boy who cannot speak. But Semaphore is about more than language and the ability to move beyond one's own time. This achingly beautiful novel is also about misunderstandings and the terrible weight of fear. Semaphore is being released simultaneously with Surveyor, Hawkes' novel about two old friends, their magical and mysterious desert home, and the sudden shift in terrain that alters both their sense of place and the structure of their friendship. Surveyor is being released simultaneously with Semaphore, Hawkes' achingly beautiful novel about misunderstandings and the terrible weight of fear.

Genres: Fiction

222 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this one. Could not put it down, but a bit far out. Is this a fantasy book, or based on reality and someone’s dreams? The characters were interesting and the sensitivity to environmental changes relatable, but confusing at times.

[Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Talk about out there . . . this book is in its own realm. I kept wondering why I was continuing to read it, as it increasingly made no sense, was difficult to follow and ultimately disappointed. Often I wondered if the author was on some serious pharmaceuticals while writing this, but then it started to make me feel as if I had been slipped some of those same substances. What the heck!

The saving grace, if you will, was the character Luce . . . made my heart, soul and spirit ache for a woman who could love with such tenacity, be as aware and present with her partner as the author, to his credit, was able to portray.

So, I guess there was some balance to the tale.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of an SF plot told in a non-SF writing style. The main character is a boy who doesn't live in time the same way we do. He jumps around and sees events that happen in the future. It's a powerless feeling to see something that will happen and not be able to influence it. To increase this feeling of powerlessness, the author makes the main character mute.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling and compassionately woven novel written by my undergraduate mentor. Deft use of verb tense and imagery.