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Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression
Bewilderment follows the story of Gabe Goodfellow, an Everyman figure, who delivers coal to the impoverished citizens of his village during the Great Depression of the 1830s. He does his best to ease their suffering and decides to cheer them up by arranging, with the help of a Roma familty, for a carnival to come to town. All goes awry when Gabe fails to take into account the treachery of local politicians, a runaway daughter and a troubled teenage son.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2001
9 people are currently reading
1528 people want to read
About the author
Don Gutteridge
118 books100 followersDon Gutteridge was born in Sarnia and raised in the nearby village of Point Edward. He taught High School English for seven years, later becoming a Professor in the Faculty of Education at the Western University, where he is now Professor Emeritus. He is the author of twenty-two novels. including the twelve-volume Marc Edwards mystery series. Don is also an accomplished poet and has published twenty-three books of poetry, one of which, Coppermine, was a finalist for the 1973 Governor-General's Award. In 1970 he won the UWO President's medal for the best periodical poem of that year. To listen to interviews with the author, go to: http://thereandthen.podbean.com. Don currently lives in London, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 26, 2020
Letter to the author from Donald S Hair, Professor Emeritus, Western University
Don: I do not know what sort of reviews Bewilderment had when it was first published, but I think it is one of the best things you have written about Point Edward. I think so because your central figure is a kind of Everyman, and the narrator’s voice perfectly complements Gabe’s character. There is a sureness of touch about your style, disciplined when it has to be, exuberant for the scenes of “mayhem and misrule.” If I were teaching this novel, I might argue that you are creating the myth of Point Edward. Gabe is the village in all its varied aspects, and he is a (much displaced) version of the sun god, mitigating winter as the coal man, mitigating summer as the ice man. That’s the English teacher in me speaking - but as an ordinary reader who likes a good story, I can only admire your skill in hinting at things that may well lead to disasters or in introducing reversals that are disasters, so that the reader wants to keep going just to see how troubles are going to play themselves out. The frequency with which troubles are unexpectedly resolved (often thanks to the gypsies) plays into another aspect of reader expectation, which is wish fulfilment, the hope that, in spite of everything, things will work out for the central characters. You are wise not to give fully realistic explanations for such reversals, so “bewilderment” is a perfectly good word for Gabe’s responses. He is content with not fully understanding how and why things happen; he is ordinary and, above all, decent. The chapter in which he delivers coal and helps customers according to their needs and attitudes, with all sorts of little adjustments and stretchings of business practices, is an especially effective way of showing lives during the Depression.
In an absolutely fantastic work of historical fiction, author Don Gutteridge has provided his readers with a wonderful read in Bewilderment. Set in the time of the Great Depression, we follow our protagonist, Gabe Goodfellow. A coal miner in Point Edward, Ontario, he takes the idea given to him by a gypsy that he should join the carnival. His wife Blossom is strongly opposed to this seeming wild whim, and his daughter Rosie is equally unimpressed. Following this family's foibles through a difficult time period in history, the reader will feel truly involved in the lives of the Goodfellows, their friends and neighbors, and a whole cast of unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after you've finished the book.
I loved this book. Adored it, really. I love historical fiction in general, and author Don Gutteridge has a true gift in writing excellent examples of this genre. His characters are so engaging, so true to life, that you will feel as if they are friends by the end of the book. And his ability to write in such a way that the reader will feel as if they are actually living in the time period is simply second to none. Coming away from a book feeling both educated and entertained is a true gift for someone who reads as much as I do, and I truly felt this after I finished Bewilderment. This book would be enjoyed by any reader who loves historical fiction or just an excellent story of any kind.
Tracy A. Fischer for Readers’ Favorite
Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression by Don Gutteridge is the endearing story of Gabe Goodfellow. Set during the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Gabe delivers coal to the poor families and the needy in his home town. He is a lovable man who does everything to see people cheered up and happy. He sets out to arrange for a carnival to come to town. But then things aren’t going as planned because he has his own family troubles to deal with, including his daughter who’s run away and his troubled son. And it doesn’t stop there: there are local politicians with their devious schemes and people who will rather see him sink than succeed. Can he rise above it all and still be a light for his community?
A beautiful story with a very simple concept and characters that are real and believable. The author writes the setting seamlessly into the story, allowing images of the town and the experiences of the locals to come out in the story. Gabe is a likable character with a tragic flaw — he believes that everyone is goodhearted and that alone exposes him to the wolves in the community. I loved the way this character is developed and it is easy for readers to feel his altruism and his human spirit. The writing is gorgeous and the prose excellent. Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression is a story with a timely message and a hero who exhibits traits that are badly needed today in times of the coronavirus when the entire world is going through so much financial and social strain. It is a lovely and inspiring story that shows an individual’s creativity and commitment to improving the lives of his neighbors. Just as his name suggests, Goodfellow is a good fellow that readers will love.
Jose Cornelio for Readers’ Favorite
Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite
Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression by Don Gutteridge is a great story with a powerful message. Gabriel Goodfellow is a simple-minded, good-hearted person who delivers coal to the poor and the needy people of his small town during the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s. He tries his best to cheer people up and bring them joy. At home, he has his own troubles to handle and he tries to push them to the back of his mind. But then his daughter runs off and his son has troubles of his own. He’s been working hard to get the carnival to visit the town — the people need some entertainment — but what he doesn’t know is that not everyone has good intentions like him. Politicians have their own nasty agendas. Can he light a fire in the hearts of the people in spite of the cold depression that hits everyone?
A very inspiring story that is as relevant as it is entertaining, Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great s’ is a great read with a powerful setting. Don Gutteridge is a gifted storyteller and I loved how he develops the protagonist. A simple man with small dreams for his people, but they are dreams that make a huge difference. Gabriel Goodfellow’s everyday life is beautifully written and the author uses the stream of consciousness to explore his inner world. This technique is an element that adds depth to the story and character development and the author uses it to pull the reader into the mind of the protagonist, allowing them to feel him, touch his heart and hear his thoughts. A huge part of the conflict takes place in the space where Goodfellow struggles to listen to his thoughts and tries to connect with his loved ones. The story has great prose with wonderful descriptions, the historical elements of the setting are portrayed skillfully, and the characters are both intriguing and elaborately developed.
Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression by Don Gutteridge is the endearing story of Gabe Goodfellow. Set during the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Gabe delivers coal to the poor families and the needy in his home town. He is a lovable man who does everything to see people cheered up and happy. He sets out to arrange for a carnival to come to town. But then things aren’t going as planned because he has his own family troubles to deal with, including his daughter who’s run away and his troubled son. And it doesn’t stop there: there are local politicians with their devious schemes and people who will rather see him sink than succeed. Can he rise above it all and still be a light for his community?
A beautiful story with a very simple concept and characters that are real and believable. The author writes the setting seamlessly into the story, allowing images of the town and the experiences of the locals to come out in the story. Gabe is a likable character with a tragic flaw — he believes that everyone is goodhearted and that alone exposes him to the wolves in the community. I loved the way this character is developed and it is easy for readers to feel his altruism and his human spirit. The writing is gorgeous and the prose excellent. Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression is a story with a timely message and a hero who exhibits traits that are badly needed today in times of the coronavirus when the entire world is going through so much financial and social strain. It is a lovely and inspiring story that shows an individual’s creativity and commitment to improving the lives of his neighbors. Just as his name suggests, Goodfellow is a good fellow that readers will love.
Jose Cornelio for Readers’ Favorite
Letter to the author from Donald S Hair, Professor Emeritus, Western University
Don: I do not know what sort of reviews Bewilderment had when it was first published, but I think it is one of the best things you have written about Point Edward. I think so because your central figure is a kind of Everyman, and the narrator’s voice perfectly complements Gabe’s character. There is a sureness of touch about your style, disciplined when it has to be, exuberant for the scenes of “mayhem and misrule.” If I were teaching this novel, I might argue that you are creating the myth of Point Edward. Gabe is the village in all its varied aspects, and he is a (much displaced) version of the sun god, mitigating winter as the coal man, mitigating summer as the ice man. That’s the English teacher in me speaking - but as an ordinary reader who likes a good story, I can only admire your skill in hinting at things that may well lead to disasters or in introducing reversals that are disasters, so that the reader wants to keep going just to see how troubles are going to play themselves out. The frequency with which troubles are unexpectedly resolved (often thanks to the gypsies) plays into another aspect of reader expectation, which is wish fulfilment, the hope that, in spite of everything, things will work out for the central characters. You are wise not to give fully realistic explanations for such reversals, so “bewilderment” is a perfectly good word for Gabe’s responses. He is content with not fully understanding how and why things happen; he is ordinary and, above all, decent. The chapter in which he delivers coal and helps customers according to their needs and attitudes, with all sorts of little adjustments and stretchings of business practices, is an especially effective way of showing lives during the Depression.
In an absolutely fantastic work of historical fiction, author Don Gutteridge has provided his readers with a wonderful read in Bewilderment. Set in the time of the Great Depression, we follow our protagonist, Gabe Goodfellow. A coal miner in Point Edward, Ontario, he takes the idea given to him by a gypsy that he should join the carnival. His wife Blossom is strongly opposed to this seeming wild whim, and his daughter Rosie is equally unimpressed. Following this family's foibles through a difficult time period in history, the reader will feel truly involved in the lives of the Goodfellows, their friends and neighbors, and a whole cast of unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after you've finished the book.
I loved this book. Adored it, really. I love historical fiction in general, and author Don Gutteridge has a true gift in writing excellent examples of this genre. His characters are so engaging, so true to life, that you will feel as if they are friends by the end of the book. And his ability to write in such a way that the reader will feel as if they are actually living in the time period is simply second to none. Coming away from a book feeling both educated and entertained is a true gift for someone who reads as much as I do, and I truly felt this after I finished Bewilderment. This book would be enjoyed by any reader who loves historical fiction or just an excellent story of any kind.
Tracy A. Fischer for Readers’ Favorite
Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression by Don Gutteridge is the endearing story of Gabe Goodfellow. Set during the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Gabe delivers coal to the poor families and the needy in his home town. He is a lovable man who does everything to see people cheered up and happy. He sets out to arrange for a carnival to come to town. But then things aren’t going as planned because he has his own family troubles to deal with, including his daughter who’s run away and his troubled son. And it doesn’t stop there: there are local politicians with their devious schemes and people who will rather see him sink than succeed. Can he rise above it all and still be a light for his community?
A beautiful story with a very simple concept and characters that are real and believable. The author writes the setting seamlessly into the story, allowing images of the town and the experiences of the locals to come out in the story. Gabe is a likable character with a tragic flaw — he believes that everyone is goodhearted and that alone exposes him to the wolves in the community. I loved the way this character is developed and it is easy for readers to feel his altruism and his human spirit. The writing is gorgeous and the prose excellent. Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression is a story with a timely message and a hero who exhibits traits that are badly needed today in times of the coronavirus when the entire world is going through so much financial and social strain. It is a lovely and inspiring story that shows an individual’s creativity and commitment to improving the lives of his neighbors. Just as his name suggests, Goodfellow is a good fellow that readers will love.
Jose Cornelio for Readers’ Favorite
Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite
Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression by Don Gutteridge is a great story with a powerful message. Gabriel Goodfellow is a simple-minded, good-hearted person who delivers coal to the poor and the needy people of his small town during the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s. He tries his best to cheer people up and bring them joy. At home, he has his own troubles to handle and he tries to push them to the back of his mind. But then his daughter runs off and his son has troubles of his own. He’s been working hard to get the carnival to visit the town — the people need some entertainment — but what he doesn’t know is that not everyone has good intentions like him. Politicians have their own nasty agendas. Can he light a fire in the hearts of the people in spite of the cold depression that hits everyone?
A very inspiring story that is as relevant as it is entertaining, Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great s’ is a great read with a powerful setting. Don Gutteridge is a gifted storyteller and I loved how he develops the protagonist. A simple man with small drea
Don: I do not know what sort of reviews Bewilderment had when it was first published, but I think it is one of the best things you have written about Point Edward. I think so because your central figure is a kind of Everyman, and the narrator’s voice perfectly complements Gabe’s character. There is a sureness of touch about your style, disciplined when it has to be, exuberant for the scenes of “mayhem and misrule.” If I were teaching this novel, I might argue that you are creating the myth of Point Edward. Gabe is the village in all its varied aspects, and he is a (much displaced) version of the sun god, mitigating winter as the coal man, mitigating summer as the ice man. That’s the English teacher in me speaking - but as an ordinary reader who likes a good story, I can only admire your skill in hinting at things that may well lead to disasters or in introducing reversals that are disasters, so that the reader wants to keep going just to see how troubles are going to play themselves out. The frequency with which troubles are unexpectedly resolved (often thanks to the gypsies) plays into another aspect of reader expectation, which is wish fulfilment, the hope that, in spite of everything, things will work out for the central characters. You are wise not to give fully realistic explanations for such reversals, so “bewilderment” is a perfectly good word for Gabe’s responses. He is content with not fully understanding how and why things happen; he is ordinary and, above all, decent. The chapter in which he delivers coal and helps customers according to their needs and attitudes, with all sorts of little adjustments and stretchings of business practices, is an especially effective way of showing lives during the Depression.
In an absolutely fantastic work of historical fiction, author Don Gutteridge has provided his readers with a wonderful read in Bewilderment. Set in the time of the Great Depression, we follow our protagonist, Gabe Goodfellow. A coal miner in Point Edward, Ontario, he takes the idea given to him by a gypsy that he should join the carnival. His wife Blossom is strongly opposed to this seeming wild whim, and his daughter Rosie is equally unimpressed. Following this family's foibles through a difficult time period in history, the reader will feel truly involved in the lives of the Goodfellows, their friends and neighbors, and a whole cast of unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after you've finished the book.
I loved this book. Adored it, really. I love historical fiction in general, and author Don Gutteridge has a true gift in writing excellent examples of this genre. His characters are so engaging, so true to life, that you will feel as if they are friends by the end of the book. And his ability to write in such a way that the reader will feel as if they are actually living in the time period is simply second to none. Coming away from a book feeling both educated and entertained is a true gift for someone who reads as much as I do, and I truly felt this after I finished Bewilderment. This book would be enjoyed by any reader who loves historical fiction or just an excellent story of any kind.
Tracy A. Fischer for Readers’ Favorite
Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression by Don Gutteridge is the endearing story of Gabe Goodfellow. Set during the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Gabe delivers coal to the poor families and the needy in his home town. He is a lovable man who does everything to see people cheered up and happy. He sets out to arrange for a carnival to come to town. But then things aren’t going as planned because he has his own family troubles to deal with, including his daughter who’s run away and his troubled son. And it doesn’t stop there: there are local politicians with their devious schemes and people who will rather see him sink than succeed. Can he rise above it all and still be a light for his community?
A beautiful story with a very simple concept and characters that are real and believable. The author writes the setting seamlessly into the story, allowing images of the town and the experiences of the locals to come out in the story. Gabe is a likable character with a tragic flaw — he believes that everyone is goodhearted and that alone exposes him to the wolves in the community. I loved the way this character is developed and it is easy for readers to feel his altruism and his human spirit. The writing is gorgeous and the prose excellent. Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression is a story with a timely message and a hero who exhibits traits that are badly needed today in times of the coronavirus when the entire world is going through so much financial and social strain. It is a lovely and inspiring story that shows an individual’s creativity and commitment to improving the lives of his neighbors. Just as his name suggests, Goodfellow is a good fellow that readers will love.
Jose Cornelio for Readers’ Favorite
Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite
Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression by Don Gutteridge is a great story with a powerful message. Gabriel Goodfellow is a simple-minded, good-hearted person who delivers coal to the poor and the needy people of his small town during the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s. He tries his best to cheer people up and bring them joy. At home, he has his own troubles to handle and he tries to push them to the back of his mind. But then his daughter runs off and his son has troubles of his own. He’s been working hard to get the carnival to visit the town — the people need some entertainment — but what he doesn’t know is that not everyone has good intentions like him. Politicians have their own nasty agendas. Can he light a fire in the hearts of the people in spite of the cold depression that hits everyone?
A very inspiring story that is as relevant as it is entertaining, Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great s’ is a great read with a powerful setting. Don Gutteridge is a gifted storyteller and I loved how he develops the protagonist. A simple man with small dreams for his people, but they are dreams that make a huge difference. Gabriel Goodfellow’s everyday life is beautifully written and the author uses the stream of consciousness to explore his inner world. This technique is an element that adds depth to the story and character development and the author uses it to pull the reader into the mind of the protagonist, allowing them to feel him, touch his heart and hear his thoughts. A huge part of the conflict takes place in the space where Goodfellow struggles to listen to his thoughts and tries to connect with his loved ones. The story has great prose with wonderful descriptions, the historical elements of the setting are portrayed skillfully, and the characters are both intriguing and elaborately developed.
Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression by Don Gutteridge is the endearing story of Gabe Goodfellow. Set during the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Gabe delivers coal to the poor families and the needy in his home town. He is a lovable man who does everything to see people cheered up and happy. He sets out to arrange for a carnival to come to town. But then things aren’t going as planned because he has his own family troubles to deal with, including his daughter who’s run away and his troubled son. And it doesn’t stop there: there are local politicians with their devious schemes and people who will rather see him sink than succeed. Can he rise above it all and still be a light for his community?
A beautiful story with a very simple concept and characters that are real and believable. The author writes the setting seamlessly into the story, allowing images of the town and the experiences of the locals to come out in the story. Gabe is a likable character with a tragic flaw — he believes that everyone is goodhearted and that alone exposes him to the wolves in the community. I loved the way this character is developed and it is easy for readers to feel his altruism and his human spirit. The writing is gorgeous and the prose excellent. Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression is a story with a timely message and a hero who exhibits traits that are badly needed today in times of the coronavirus when the entire world is going through so much financial and social strain. It is a lovely and inspiring story that shows an individual’s creativity and commitment to improving the lives of his neighbors. Just as his name suggests, Goodfellow is a good fellow that readers will love.
Jose Cornelio for Readers’ Favorite
Letter to the author from Donald S Hair, Professor Emeritus, Western University
Don: I do not know what sort of reviews Bewilderment had when it was first published, but I think it is one of the best things you have written about Point Edward. I think so because your central figure is a kind of Everyman, and the narrator’s voice perfectly complements Gabe’s character. There is a sureness of touch about your style, disciplined when it has to be, exuberant for the scenes of “mayhem and misrule.” If I were teaching this novel, I might argue that you are creating the myth of Point Edward. Gabe is the village in all its varied aspects, and he is a (much displaced) version of the sun god, mitigating winter as the coal man, mitigating summer as the ice man. That’s the English teacher in me speaking - but as an ordinary reader who likes a good story, I can only admire your skill in hinting at things that may well lead to disasters or in introducing reversals that are disasters, so that the reader wants to keep going just to see how troubles are going to play themselves out. The frequency with which troubles are unexpectedly resolved (often thanks to the gypsies) plays into another aspect of reader expectation, which is wish fulfilment, the hope that, in spite of everything, things will work out for the central characters. You are wise not to give fully realistic explanations for such reversals, so “bewilderment” is a perfectly good word for Gabe’s responses. He is content with not fully understanding how and why things happen; he is ordinary and, above all, decent. The chapter in which he delivers coal and helps customers according to their needs and attitudes, with all sorts of little adjustments and stretchings of business practices, is an especially effective way of showing lives during the Depression.
In an absolutely fantastic work of historical fiction, author Don Gutteridge has provided his readers with a wonderful read in Bewilderment. Set in the time of the Great Depression, we follow our protagonist, Gabe Goodfellow. A coal miner in Point Edward, Ontario, he takes the idea given to him by a gypsy that he should join the carnival. His wife Blossom is strongly opposed to this seeming wild whim, and his daughter Rosie is equally unimpressed. Following this family's foibles through a difficult time period in history, the reader will feel truly involved in the lives of the Goodfellows, their friends and neighbors, and a whole cast of unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after you've finished the book.
I loved this book. Adored it, really. I love historical fiction in general, and author Don Gutteridge has a true gift in writing excellent examples of this genre. His characters are so engaging, so true to life, that you will feel as if they are friends by the end of the book. And his ability to write in such a way that the reader will feel as if they are actually living in the time period is simply second to none. Coming away from a book feeling both educated and entertained is a true gift for someone who reads as much as I do, and I truly felt this after I finished Bewilderment. This book would be enjoyed by any reader who loves historical fiction or just an excellent story of any kind.
Tracy A. Fischer for Readers’ Favorite
Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression by Don Gutteridge is the endearing story of Gabe Goodfellow. Set during the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Gabe delivers coal to the poor families and the needy in his home town. He is a lovable man who does everything to see people cheered up and happy. He sets out to arrange for a carnival to come to town. But then things aren’t going as planned because he has his own family troubles to deal with, including his daughter who’s run away and his troubled son. And it doesn’t stop there: there are local politicians with their devious schemes and people who will rather see him sink than succeed. Can he rise above it all and still be a light for his community?
A beautiful story with a very simple concept and characters that are real and believable. The author writes the setting seamlessly into the story, allowing images of the town and the experiences of the locals to come out in the story. Gabe is a likable character with a tragic flaw — he believes that everyone is goodhearted and that alone exposes him to the wolves in the community. I loved the way this character is developed and it is easy for readers to feel his altruism and his human spirit. The writing is gorgeous and the prose excellent. Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression is a story with a timely message and a hero who exhibits traits that are badly needed today in times of the coronavirus when the entire world is going through so much financial and social strain. It is a lovely and inspiring story that shows an individual’s creativity and commitment to improving the lives of his neighbors. Just as his name suggests, Goodfellow is a good fellow that readers will love.
Jose Cornelio for Readers’ Favorite
Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite
Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great Depression by Don Gutteridge is a great story with a powerful message. Gabriel Goodfellow is a simple-minded, good-hearted person who delivers coal to the poor and the needy people of his small town during the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s. He tries his best to cheer people up and bring them joy. At home, he has his own troubles to handle and he tries to push them to the back of his mind. But then his daughter runs off and his son has troubles of his own. He’s been working hard to get the carnival to visit the town — the people need some entertainment — but what he doesn’t know is that not everyone has good intentions like him. Politicians have their own nasty agendas. Can he light a fire in the hearts of the people in spite of the cold depression that hits everyone?
A very inspiring story that is as relevant as it is entertaining, Bewilderment: A Novel of the Great s’ is a great read with a powerful setting. Don Gutteridge is a gifted storyteller and I loved how he develops the protagonist. A simple man with small drea
September 19, 2015
This review captures my impression of this book.
Review Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed By Tracy A. Fischer for Readers’ Favorite
In an absolutely fantastic work of historical fiction, author Don Gutteridge has provided his readers with a wonderful read in Bewilderment. Set in the time of the Great Depression, we follow our protagonist, Gabe Goodfellow. A coal miner in Point Edward, Ontario, he takes the idea given to him by a gypsy that he should join bring a carnival. His wife Blossom is strongly opposed to this seeming wild whim, and his daughter Rosie is equally unimpressed. Following this family's foibles through a difficult time period in history, the reader will feel truly involved in the lives of the Goodfellows, their friends and neighbors, and a whole cast of unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after you've finished the book.
I loved this book. Adored it, really. I love historical fiction in general, and author Don Gutteridge has a true gift in writing excellent examples of this genre. His characters are so engaging, so true to life, that you will feel as if they are friends by the end of the book. And his ability to write in such a way that the reader will feel as if they are actually living in the time period is simply second to none. Coming away from a book feeling both educated and entertained is a true gift for someone who reads as much as I do, and I truly felt this after I finished Bewilderment. This book would be enjoyed by any reader who loves historical fiction or just an excellent story of any kind. I highly recommend Bewilderment by Don Gutteridge, and am very much looking forward to reading my next book by this author as soon as possible!
Review Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed By Tracy A. Fischer for Readers’ Favorite
In an absolutely fantastic work of historical fiction, author Don Gutteridge has provided his readers with a wonderful read in Bewilderment. Set in the time of the Great Depression, we follow our protagonist, Gabe Goodfellow. A coal miner in Point Edward, Ontario, he takes the idea given to him by a gypsy that he should join bring a carnival. His wife Blossom is strongly opposed to this seeming wild whim, and his daughter Rosie is equally unimpressed. Following this family's foibles through a difficult time period in history, the reader will feel truly involved in the lives of the Goodfellows, their friends and neighbors, and a whole cast of unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after you've finished the book.
I loved this book. Adored it, really. I love historical fiction in general, and author Don Gutteridge has a true gift in writing excellent examples of this genre. His characters are so engaging, so true to life, that you will feel as if they are friends by the end of the book. And his ability to write in such a way that the reader will feel as if they are actually living in the time period is simply second to none. Coming away from a book feeling both educated and entertained is a true gift for someone who reads as much as I do, and I truly felt this after I finished Bewilderment. This book would be enjoyed by any reader who loves historical fiction or just an excellent story of any kind. I highly recommend Bewilderment by Don Gutteridge, and am very much looking forward to reading my next book by this author as soon as possible!
February 2, 2023
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I was not able to finish the book. There are so many unnecessarily long descriptions of the most inane details that it’s difficult to follow. Additionally and most importantly… the main character Gabe works in a coal plant and is supposed to be a simple fellow, yet the author uses so many high level words to describe everything. It would have fit the character better to use everyday descriptive words for a character that didn’t have a college education.
August 28, 2020
I won a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
This book, originally published in 2001, was possibly republished in 2020 - or maybe there's now a Kindle edition. I'm a bit confused over what - if any - information has changed - maybe it's just a new release? The synopsis on Goodreads says this book takes place in the "1830s," please read that as "1930s" instead, as the book opens in 1936.
The writing style is not appealing to me - very descriptive reminding me of a combination of Milton and Dickens, especially in the first two chapters. I didn't find the story compelling or interesting (and nearly DNF'd at 7% and again at 25%), but the writing style didn't help any.
There's also a little, but for me, glaring typo - that I find difficult to believe no one in nearly 20 years didn't point out - it's Tallulah Bankhead, not Taleulah Bankhead. This book didn't work for me - but since the author has written 20+ books that have been well reviewed, I believe that his style just isn't for me.
This book, originally published in 2001, was possibly republished in 2020 - or maybe there's now a Kindle edition. I'm a bit confused over what - if any - information has changed - maybe it's just a new release? The synopsis on Goodreads says this book takes place in the "1830s," please read that as "1930s" instead, as the book opens in 1936.
The writing style is not appealing to me - very descriptive reminding me of a combination of Milton and Dickens, especially in the first two chapters. I didn't find the story compelling or interesting (and nearly DNF'd at 7% and again at 25%), but the writing style didn't help any.
There's also a little, but for me, glaring typo - that I find difficult to believe no one in nearly 20 years didn't point out - it's Tallulah Bankhead, not Taleulah Bankhead. This book didn't work for me - but since the author has written 20+ books that have been well reviewed, I believe that his style just isn't for me.
July 11, 2022
I couldn’t get past the first few chapters. The author’s writing style is hard to follow. The parentheses in the long, run-on sentences ended it for me. Also, no one needs that much description. 😩
March 16, 2023
#goodreads giveaway
Normally, I avoid books about the Depression. They are just too... depressing. But, this story was upbeat, which I liked. Gabe Goodfellow works in his small town delivering coal in winter and ice in summer. Everyone knows everyone else, and helps others. One day walking home from work, he meets a gypsy family that is part of a carnival, and Gabe becomes obsessed with bringing a carnival to his town for their annual celebration.
This is a feel good novel, and you know that things will work out in the end, so it's predictable in a good way. I also liked the character development. You felt that Gabe was one of the good guys - honest, caring, fair. His wife Blossom and two children are realistically depicted and you feel like you know them.
The one thing I didn't like was the writing style. I felt like Gutteridge was writing the book with a thesaurus at hand, and not one published in the last century. The sentences seemed to run on, sometimes for a paragraph, once for an entire page. By the time you reached the end, you forgot what the point was. He was also a big fan of using unnecessarily big words, like one of those ridiculous stage actors. Nothing was a simple sentence - every noun needed a polysyllabic adjective, or a run-on metaphor. And it got worse as the book went on, as if the author was really getting in to his own rambling.
I don't often say this, but there could have been so much more story told - and so much less archaic filler. The story itself is so entertaining, but the writing was a struggle.
Normally, I avoid books about the Depression. They are just too... depressing. But, this story was upbeat, which I liked. Gabe Goodfellow works in his small town delivering coal in winter and ice in summer. Everyone knows everyone else, and helps others. One day walking home from work, he meets a gypsy family that is part of a carnival, and Gabe becomes obsessed with bringing a carnival to his town for their annual celebration.
This is a feel good novel, and you know that things will work out in the end, so it's predictable in a good way. I also liked the character development. You felt that Gabe was one of the good guys - honest, caring, fair. His wife Blossom and two children are realistically depicted and you feel like you know them.
The one thing I didn't like was the writing style. I felt like Gutteridge was writing the book with a thesaurus at hand, and not one published in the last century. The sentences seemed to run on, sometimes for a paragraph, once for an entire page. By the time you reached the end, you forgot what the point was. He was also a big fan of using unnecessarily big words, like one of those ridiculous stage actors. Nothing was a simple sentence - every noun needed a polysyllabic adjective, or a run-on metaphor. And it got worse as the book went on, as if the author was really getting in to his own rambling.
I don't often say this, but there could have been so much more story told - and so much less archaic filler. The story itself is so entertaining, but the writing was a struggle.
July 2, 2022
Characters are everything, and the things they get up to
First of all the writing is exquisite. In unexpected ways it paints a picture of places and people that show how much time and effort the author put into this book.
I found myself rooting for the hero without much hope. This is after all a book set in the depression. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but be warned that evil is present and if you bring prejudice to your reading, you will be surprised.
First of all the writing is exquisite. In unexpected ways it paints a picture of places and people that show how much time and effort the author put into this book.
I found myself rooting for the hero without much hope. This is after all a book set in the depression. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but be warned that evil is present and if you bring prejudice to your reading, you will be surprised.
February 15, 2023
A different aspect of the Great Depression as it was based in Canada very near the American border. This era is one of my favorites to read about--fiction or non-fiction.
I was a bit confused though. I understood how certain characters were being effected by the depression, but there wasn't enough background information on a lot of what was occurring to really "get" this book. I was confused at least 35% of the time and that isn't something that would make me want to read this book again.
I was a bit confused though. I understood how certain characters were being effected by the depression, but there wasn't enough background information on a lot of what was occurring to really "get" this book. I was confused at least 35% of the time and that isn't something that would make me want to read this book again.
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May 25, 2023I have tried to start this book 3 times. The first 10 pages are absolutely meh....I ended up skipping them to get to some kind of dialogue. This book is a little slow and I am not in the mindset to read that kind of book right now. Maybe it will spark my interest but for right now...it's going to sit on the shelf.
September 14, 2020
Held my interest throughout
January 30, 2023
Thanks for the free kindle copy.
Good book, but a bit wordy.
Good book, but a bit wordy.
September 1, 2015
Kane Faucher The Western News, March 2014
As someone who has consumed a fair share of Great Depression-era literature, especially in the genre of American literary realism, it is precisely the conspicuous lack of Canadian regionalism concerning this period that provides a more 'closer to home' narrative.
In Gutteridge's Bewilderment, we follow Gabe Goodfellow, a coal-man in Point Edward, Ont., who after speaking to a kindly gypsy, takes it into his mind that a carnival is precisely what would lift the spirits of the community, much more so than the ongoing construction of a bridge. His wife, Blossom -- a portrait of stable matronly values - finds the idea absurd, while his daughter, Rosie, finds it does not mesh with her own struggle to determine her sense of self in the tempest of raging adolescence that so desperately navigates its way in haste from childhood to adulthood,
Inasmuch as the backdrop to the story is set in the Depression, with constant reminders of the poverty and high unemployment that marked it, this is not a gravid and hopeless narrative as one would read in Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, but a human tale punctuated by moments of humour and some sparks of joy that still maintain some aspects of the oppre4ssive socioeconomic condition. Gutteridge's prose style is erudite and so finely crafted one acquires the sense of reading it is akin to tracing the details of a master craft cabinetry, and this is consistent with the entire series, of which this novel is just a part.
Although the story itself is fiction, Gutteridge's meticulous attention to historical details as well as the quotidian impressisons lend both a contextual believability and a vividness that makes Bewilderment, and the rest of this series, so easy to pick up and not put down.
As someone who has consumed a fair share of Great Depression-era literature, especially in the genre of American literary realism, it is precisely the conspicuous lack of Canadian regionalism concerning this period that provides a more 'closer to home' narrative.
In Gutteridge's Bewilderment, we follow Gabe Goodfellow, a coal-man in Point Edward, Ont., who after speaking to a kindly gypsy, takes it into his mind that a carnival is precisely what would lift the spirits of the community, much more so than the ongoing construction of a bridge. His wife, Blossom -- a portrait of stable matronly values - finds the idea absurd, while his daughter, Rosie, finds it does not mesh with her own struggle to determine her sense of self in the tempest of raging adolescence that so desperately navigates its way in haste from childhood to adulthood,
Inasmuch as the backdrop to the story is set in the Depression, with constant reminders of the poverty and high unemployment that marked it, this is not a gravid and hopeless narrative as one would read in Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, but a human tale punctuated by moments of humour and some sparks of joy that still maintain some aspects of the oppre4ssive socioeconomic condition. Gutteridge's prose style is erudite and so finely crafted one acquires the sense of reading it is akin to tracing the details of a master craft cabinetry, and this is consistent with the entire series, of which this novel is just a part.
Although the story itself is fiction, Gutteridge's meticulous attention to historical details as well as the quotidian impressisons lend both a contextual believability and a vividness that makes Bewilderment, and the rest of this series, so easy to pick up and not put down.
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