The Derailing of Douglas Jones
| Category: | Fiction - Drama |
|---|---|
| Author: | Matt Strempel |
| Publication Date: | June 1, 2024 |
In the sleepy town of Bangle, Douglas Jones, a reserved
stationmaster, struggles with the Ledger of Fortune's cruel balance: every joy is
matched by sorrow. Stuck in a rut at 40, his existence revolves around caution,
his legacy reduced to postage stamp paintings. But when his only friend dies in
a hit-and-run, Douglas's world unravels in unexpected ways. Frustrated by the
authorities’ lackluster investigation, Douglas begins a quest for justice,
unwittingly entangling himself into a world of organized crime, deadly romance, and accidents. As chaos ensues, Douglas faces a tragedy, drawing the attention of law
enforcement and a dangerous assassin.
What sets Strempel's storytelling apart is his ability to
evoke a vivid sense of place, painting a picture of Bangle that is as haunting
as it is captivating. From the solemn cannons of World War I to the faded
beauty of its wide streets and stone churches, Bangle emerges as a character in
its own right—a town haunted by its past yet resilient in the face of
adversity. As Douglas navigates a world of danger and mystery, readers
are treated to a thrilling tale filled with twists, turns, and unexpected
revelations. Strempel's descriptive prose and intricate plotlines keep readers
on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages in anticipation of what lies
ahead. The descriptions are terrific, infused with metaphors and vivid imagery:
“The words leaped out at him, gnashing their disfigured teeth.” Here is a
poignant way of capturing the confrontation with the mystery of death: “The
steam lifted in tangled threads, and the sun warmed his face. It was callous the
world carried on, as beautiful a day as you could wish for, indifferent to the
tragic death of one of its children.” Themes of risk, regret, and redemption
are brilliantly explored. The Derailing of Douglas Jones by Matt
Strempel is cleverly plotted, infused with humor, and balanced. Reminiscent of
classic literary misfits, Douglas's journey in The Derailing of Douglas Jones
is a tragicomic homage to characters of yore, a tale of one man's struggle
against his predictability, with catastrophic repercussions looming.
