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Speed of Dark
Mary Em Phillips has decided to kill herself after losing her beloved Mamie, who raised her; her husband, Jack, who has left her for another woman; and her only son, Petey, who has died as a result of a freak bacterial infection. But when Mosely Albright, a black man from Chicago’s South Side, comes to her back door one morning needing a drink of water and seeking directions back to the train, her plans are derailed . . . to the chagrin of Mishigami (so named by the Ojibwe, also known as Lake Michigan), who has been trying to lure Mary Em into his icy depths in the hopes that she will save him.
Mary Em wants nothing more than to end her anguish. Mosely is searching for the love he’s been missing most of his life. And Mishigami—who fears he is dying from rampant pollution and overfishing—seeks a champion.
A story of friendship, survival, connection and the unquestioning power of nature told through three distinct voices, Speed of Dark affirms a love of humanity that transcends all else, including race and background.
Mary Em wants nothing more than to end her anguish. Mosely is searching for the love he’s been missing most of his life. And Mishigami—who fears he is dying from rampant pollution and overfishing—seeks a champion.
A story of friendship, survival, connection and the unquestioning power of nature told through three distinct voices, Speed of Dark affirms a love of humanity that transcends all else, including race and background.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2022
8 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 7, 2022
Speed of Dark is the first novel by American author, Patricia Ricketts. Mary Margaret Phillips has nothing left to live for, so the obvious step is to stop. Drowning in her beloved Lake Michigan is the plan she makes, after going to the Art Institute to visit some paintings, after which she will head to The Shedd, Chicago’s aquarium there on the Lake.
Her plan would suit Mishigami just fine: ever since he got a taste of her as a young girl, when he named her Nibiinabe, he’s been trying to draw her back. The Great Water was dubbed Mishigami by the Oghibbeway people who lived on his shores and respected him, loved him. He has witnessed her childhood trauma, he knows she cares for him, and perhaps, if he takes her, it will draw attention to his plight.
But on the appointed day in March, 2000, Mosely Albright happens to come to Mary Em’s back door. After a night in the woods looking for one of his lost souls, Ol’ Mosely is parched and needs a drink of water, and directions to the train.
Somehow, these two are sharing the train ride to Chicago, Union Station. Both sink into their memories during the trip. Mary Em isn’t sharing her thoughts or worries or guilt with Mosely, but he seems to feel her fear and confusion all the same.
Mary Em watches his charitable act with a fellow passenger, and understands she can trust this man. During a train delay, he takes her to his City Union Mission for a coffee, but before she can make her way to the Art Institute, dramatic events shock and upset her. She surprises herself with an offer, but will it derail her plan?
Ricketts uses three characters to tell the tale: Ol’ Mosely and Mary Em tell their part through straight narratives with flashbacks to earlier times; Mishigami, through the rambling account of his birth and history, offers observations on human behaviour, and laments what has been done to him.
Apart from the epilogue, the main events of the story take place on that one March day, and involve a number of support characters: an old Italian Nona with no filter, a simple-minded man with a clever dog, a street beggar, a wise and warm grandma, a clever and funny son, an ever-engaged neighbour, a scary schizophrenic, and a deaf fugitive all play their part.
Ricketts gives her characters wise words: “Just because the ravens of worry are swirling about your head, doesn’t mean you have to let them make a nest in your hair.” And her descriptive prose is exquisite: “The earth has music for those who listen… He bends his head, catching the sound of the woods. Hears a melody like jazz, syncopated by snap and wind, hoot and click – easy and comfortable.”
Also: “She presses her head against the thick glass again and watches the front of the train gliding on silvery tracks as they move through a curve. Occasionally the train lurches, groaning like an old man trying to get out of a chair. Then it squeaks as though it’s a baby bird chirping for its mother to bring the morning worm. From the whooshing underneath the car’s unmetered clacking sounds comes an occasional bestial roar when it crosses bridges or switches.”
Moving, heart-warming and uplifting, this is an outstanding debut.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Smith Publicity/She Writes Press.
Her plan would suit Mishigami just fine: ever since he got a taste of her as a young girl, when he named her Nibiinabe, he’s been trying to draw her back. The Great Water was dubbed Mishigami by the Oghibbeway people who lived on his shores and respected him, loved him. He has witnessed her childhood trauma, he knows she cares for him, and perhaps, if he takes her, it will draw attention to his plight.
But on the appointed day in March, 2000, Mosely Albright happens to come to Mary Em’s back door. After a night in the woods looking for one of his lost souls, Ol’ Mosely is parched and needs a drink of water, and directions to the train.
Somehow, these two are sharing the train ride to Chicago, Union Station. Both sink into their memories during the trip. Mary Em isn’t sharing her thoughts or worries or guilt with Mosely, but he seems to feel her fear and confusion all the same.
Mary Em watches his charitable act with a fellow passenger, and understands she can trust this man. During a train delay, he takes her to his City Union Mission for a coffee, but before she can make her way to the Art Institute, dramatic events shock and upset her. She surprises herself with an offer, but will it derail her plan?
Ricketts uses three characters to tell the tale: Ol’ Mosely and Mary Em tell their part through straight narratives with flashbacks to earlier times; Mishigami, through the rambling account of his birth and history, offers observations on human behaviour, and laments what has been done to him.
Apart from the epilogue, the main events of the story take place on that one March day, and involve a number of support characters: an old Italian Nona with no filter, a simple-minded man with a clever dog, a street beggar, a wise and warm grandma, a clever and funny son, an ever-engaged neighbour, a scary schizophrenic, and a deaf fugitive all play their part.
Ricketts gives her characters wise words: “Just because the ravens of worry are swirling about your head, doesn’t mean you have to let them make a nest in your hair.” And her descriptive prose is exquisite: “The earth has music for those who listen… He bends his head, catching the sound of the woods. Hears a melody like jazz, syncopated by snap and wind, hoot and click – easy and comfortable.”
Also: “She presses her head against the thick glass again and watches the front of the train gliding on silvery tracks as they move through a curve. Occasionally the train lurches, groaning like an old man trying to get out of a chair. Then it squeaks as though it’s a baby bird chirping for its mother to bring the morning worm. From the whooshing underneath the car’s unmetered clacking sounds comes an occasional bestial roar when it crosses bridges or switches.”
Moving, heart-warming and uplifting, this is an outstanding debut.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Smith Publicity/She Writes Press.
July 7, 2022
I was hypnotized by this book. The three characters (one inanimate in the form of Lake Michigan) were distinctive and extremely well written I was captivated by the voice of Mishigami. This is a first rate telling of a intriguing story and would make an excellent book club selection – so much to discuss.
Thanks Netgalley
Thanks Netgalley
April 26, 2022
The characters in this book drew me into their lives. The author created a cozy place to dive in and live within the minds of multiple perspectives.
April 28, 2022
What seems an unlikely premise becomes credible in the skilful hands of Patricia Ricketts. From hopelessness to hope through a most unlikely medium, we see the protagonist’s life and choices challenged and turned around. The characters are intriguing and really make this book what it is.
August 3, 2022
A black man with the gift of knowing when people need help gets off the Metra train in Northbrook, Illinois to search for someone possibly hiding in the woods. Mosely Albright works with addicts, alcoholics, and those down on their luck. He forgets the way back to the station and knocks on Mary Margaret’s door. Turns out she’s farther down on her luck than many in this gorgeous novel about human connection, kindness, and the plight of the great lakes.
Listen to the @New Books Network podcast with author Trisha Ricketts: https://newbooksnetwork.com/speed-of-....
Listen to the @New Books Network podcast with author Trisha Ricketts: https://newbooksnetwork.com/speed-of-....
July 28, 2022
i immediately was drawn into this novel and the relationship among its main characters. The author did an excellent job in revealing the various pasts of the characters at the proper time in the novel.
Additionally, she was able to enter into the minds and hearts of the characters. I could feel Mary Ems' sadness and guilt as I traveled along with her that day. The role played by Lake Michigan was intriguing and so well rendered. At the end I could not put this book down!
Additionally, she was able to enter into the minds and hearts of the characters. I could feel Mary Ems' sadness and guilt as I traveled along with her that day. The role played by Lake Michigan was intriguing and so well rendered. At the end I could not put this book down!
April 30, 2022
Patricia Ricketts' debut novel is clearly the product of a writer who is both a lover of language and a deeply compassionate human being. Her engaging story of the saving power of simple gestures of kindness in the interconnecting lives of three vulnerable beings is told in a prose that is a joy to read. I hope that it is the first of many novels from the hand of this gifted writer.
May 17, 2022
In writing the often heart-breaking story of Mary Em and the toll her personal losses have finally taken on her emotional well-being, the author has artfully high-lighted the fate of Lake Michigan as a living being in peril as well. The interconnectivity of the lake with Mary Em brings this story to a higher level and will touch more readers in its wake.
April 22, 2022
A riveting story told in three voices. Captured my heart as I read through Mary Em's, Mosely's, and Mishigami's harrowingly journey. A must read!
June 3, 2022
This was a lovely book. 3 main characters and one of them is a lake. Magical Realism at its best.
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May 1, 2022In great reads, one often considers both the voice of the author and the voice of the characters. In Speed Of Dark, the distance between the writer’s voice and those of the three main protagonists seems hardly discernible; Ricketts so integrates them with her own. And each protagonist speaks so distinctly and powerfully: the lost Mary Em, the searching Mosley Albright and world-weary Mishigami. Ricketts's ability to go within the souls of each comes across as nothing short of brilliant method acting; drawn from within the deepest parts of experience with flights imagination.
The book conjoins feelings of “I couldn’t put it down” with “I can’t wait to pick it up again.”
The book conjoins feelings of “I couldn’t put it down” with “I can’t wait to pick it up again.”
May 4, 2022
Much to appreciate here in this author’s love of language and her profound empathy as she delves into the lives of characters who with flaws and sorrows and despair find their way to hope and a future all though making seemingly random connections. Love that one of these characters is a personification of Lake Michigan who is as conflicted and real as are the human beings. Speed Of Dark delivers.
May 1, 2022
Patricia Ricketts' "Speed of Dark" is rich with authentic, fully dimensional voices. A compelling, beautifully layered story drove this reader's interest through the final words. As a native Chicagoan, the settings added to a sense of camaraderie with the characters. It's a testament to the writer's skill that I had a sense that I know these people. Bravo!
May 1, 2022
Loved this novel! The writing is rhythmic and lyrical and this story captivated me. I love how the author captured the different voices of each character, unique as they are. I especially liked the wise, Mother Nature wisdom and power of Mishigami. And I’m so grateful for the Epilogue. I love how this resolved.
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May 3, 2022Oh how I loved this soulful book filled with engaging characters and a protagonist frought with the weight of grief. The book is character driven and I couldn't put it down and thought about it after the final page. Lovely writing and marvelous resolution for all her beloved characters. I highly recommend it.
Susan Grout
Susan Grout
May 6, 2022
Intricate and enthralling, I loved every minute spent with the warm and diverse characters, including the vividly portrayed setting. Ricketts beautifully renders the tension between fear and the innate pull of living one’s truth, especially at this place on humanity’s timeline when we need reminding of what we mean to each other.
August 23, 2023
This book is beautifully written and really engaging. I loved the characters and making Lake Michigan a character was brilliant and so creative. I liked the plotting and descriptions. If you love Chicago, you should read this book.
July 30, 2022
Ricketts presents her novel from three points of view introduced through a single incident: A distraught white woman whose plans for her suicide are interrupted; A black preacher whose request for a glass of water is responsible for the interruption; and a Great Lake, from which the water for that drink comes. The story is about the ties (and responsibilities) that bind and keep us going—as a people and as a planet. A debut with an apt message for our times.
August 9, 2022
An enchanting and thought-provoking read. Three stories intertwine and provoke each other to further depths. Through gorgeous, melodic prose, this book explores what it is to sink into loss and rise again.
April 21, 2024
I was captivated by the three distinct voices in this book and the many, many social, economic and environmental issues that were raised along the way. I especially love the idea of Lake Michigan (Michigami) as a character. Ricketts is part historian, part scientist, part mystic, and part environmentalist in this detailed account of the many ways in which 'loss' can be experienced.
Throughout the book, Ricketts uses fresh way of explaining natural occurrences. In describing how the lake was formed: "The coitus, you might say, came about when strong, erosion-resistant obsidian and iron came into contact with weak, erosion-susceptible shale and limestone. One stood its ground, the other crumbled to its power."
Of Mary Em's grief, she writes: ".. a grief renewed and mightier than anything she'd ever known - a ship too large for the channel, its own wake of sorrows trailing behind..."
And then, there are simple little nuggets: "Mosely slides inside the alley door soft as pudding..." and "Flowers pop up like girls in pink, yellow, and purple tutus..."
The author clearly has a passion for people and our planet, and her ability to write so eloquently about both makes this a book with a wide-reaching audience.
Throughout the book, Ricketts uses fresh way of explaining natural occurrences. In describing how the lake was formed: "The coitus, you might say, came about when strong, erosion-resistant obsidian and iron came into contact with weak, erosion-susceptible shale and limestone. One stood its ground, the other crumbled to its power."
Of Mary Em's grief, she writes: ".. a grief renewed and mightier than anything she'd ever known - a ship too large for the channel, its own wake of sorrows trailing behind..."
And then, there are simple little nuggets: "Mosely slides inside the alley door soft as pudding..." and "Flowers pop up like girls in pink, yellow, and purple tutus..."
The author clearly has a passion for people and our planet, and her ability to write so eloquently about both makes this a book with a wide-reaching audience.
March 28, 2023
Ricketts' debut novel is a thought-provoking journey, interweaving character and voice. She always keeps the book's beating heart on essential themes: loss and healing, desperation and faith, tragedy and redemption, and the interconnectivity of humans plus nature. I admire her daring choice of having Chicago's beloved and precious Lake Michigan as a character in the book! And I love any book which includes, "Come. Come feel our joy. Feel our pain." Speed of Dark explores what it means to be fully, precariously alive, and how humanity and nature are intertwined. Also, really: that stunning cover!
June 2, 2022
Very well written but not for me. I had a difficult time getting - and staying - engaged.
I received a free ARC from Booksirens. This is my honest review.
I received a free ARC from Booksirens. This is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews