On the surface, Brian Porter’s debut novel Dreams of Arcadia is a simple story of a man returning to his rural roots. But in the deft hands of this virtuoso storyteller, Nate Holub’s story is more than merely simple. Rather, it explores the complex relationships we all have with the places where we grew up, the people who raised us, and the dreams that were dear to us, some of which never came true, and some of which evolved into unexpected choices. In this case, we have a “big city” veterinarian who has returned to his rural Texas hometown to discover new facets of himself, and the father who died thirty years before. Nate is a father himself, which adds depth to the story. In addition to discovering truths about his family, he must also provide a strong foundation for his girls – one that is tied to the land he came from,
but not necessarily beholden to it.
I’ve worked in pet rescue, so I’m a sucker for an animal story, even when it’s really a people story, as Dreams of Arcadia is. In this case, I felt making Nate a veterinarian was a wise choice. Moments with the animals and vet staff interjected light and humor when they were needed, but also provided poignant counterpoint at times. I got a kick out of Nate limiting a local farmer on the amount of medicine he’d provide, so he wouldn’t treat the entire rural community. I also think Nate’s rapport with animals also softened some aspects of the story, like his relationship with his cousin Wink – who seems to have an issue with him – and with his aging grandmother Viola and his aunt Ruthie and her family.
I appreciated the pacing of this novel. Nothing was rushed, but neither did the story feel like it was too slow. Rather, this was the literary equivalent of a balmy summer day. You know crisper weather is lurking behind the sunny skies but you have time to savor the light and heat. I also loved the vivid descriptions of the land, especially the gardens – including one that’s essentially secret – where Nate finds himself. The land in this novel is truly a character in its own right. Part family drama, part “All Creatures Great and Small – Texas edition,” and part mystery, this book has elements to please any reader, and what’s better is that they form a cohesive whole and satisfying story.
Goes well with a summer salad with garden fresh greens, nuts and berries, and a glass of sweet tea.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Healing Power of Assembled Memories
Brian Porter’s debut novel, Dreams of Arcadia, portrays the life changes of Nate Holub. Nate, recently divorced, loves his two daughters. The excellent character development of Nate, and the others, unfolds in a natural, inviting manner. Readers can feel his emotions about the shift from his high-paying veterinary practice in Houston to taking on the diverse animal practice in his hometown as a child in rural Texas. The struggles of returning home spark memories and dreams of his early life, including his father’s unexplained death when he was young. The interactions with his teenage daughters, grandmother Viola, Aunt Ruthie, cousin Wink, and other family relations in the area give Nate powerful insights into his past, present, and future.Mr. Porter weaves the history of small rancher families specializing in cattle, dairy, and farming. Their struggles to hold onto land and families over the generations have good and bad sides with every choice. Family values and learning from the past are prime aspects of this story. Understanding the various dilemmas country veterinarians face brought extra depth and perspective to small-town living not available in a big-city setting. The detailed descriptions of the sights, sounds, landscape, dwellings, and weather made this a place where readers feel welcomed—as long as they have the right connections.Families can be messy. Secrets can be honor-bound or based on frailties of anger, with the penance lasting a lifetime. Mr. Porter delivers a family life fiction filled with mystery and suspense. Pages turn quickly enough to make this a masterfully told story, a powerful tale of hope and healing of the heart. I highly recommend this story for those who want to sit back this summer with an insightful read that will make you laugh, tear up, and think.
