The Flicker of Old Dreams: A Novel

"The Flicker of Old Dreams: A Novel" by Susan Henderson is a hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving story set in the fading landscape of the American West. More than just a tale of small-town life, its a profound exploration of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of human connection against a backdrop of loss and decay. In the forgotten town of Petroleum, a place where the echoes of a tragic past reverberate through the present, Mary Crampton, our protagonist, finds solace and purpose in the unconventional role of the town's embalmer. Shunned by some for her unusual profession, Mary finds a unique connection to the departed, meticulously preserving their stories and dignity in their final moments. Her existence, however, is one of quiet solitude and unspoken longings, a reflection of Petroleum's own fading glory. Henderson masterfully paints a portrait of a community struggling to survive after a devastating accident at the local grain elevator shattered its spirit twenty years prior. The closed mill, the absence of the train, and the exodus of its younger generation stand as stark reminders of a once-vibrant past. The return of Robert Golden, the scapegoat blamed for the tragedy and banished years ago, stirs up old wounds and forces the town to confront its lingering grief. Mary, reserved and introspective, unexpectedly finds herself drawn to Robert. Their budding friendship, a beacon of hope amidst the town's bleakness, challenges the established norms and sparks disapproval amongst the close-knit community. As Mary and Robert navigate their complex emotions and the town's simmering resentments, Mary begins to question her own stagnant existence and dares to dream of a life beyond the confines of Petroleum. Susan Henderson's writing is both lyrical and unflinchingly honest. She captures the stark beauty of the Western landscape and the quiet desperation of its inhabitants with remarkable precision. "The Flicker of Old Dreams" delves into universal themes of family, loss, and the search for belonging. Henderson explores the importance of memory, the burden of secrets, and the possibility of finding love and forgiveness in the most unexpected places. Beyond the central narrative, the novel subtly examines the economic hardships faced by many rural communities in America, the environmental consequences of industrial decline, and the psychological toll of living in a town defined by tragedy. Readers who appreciate the works of Kent Haruf, Marilynne Robinson, or Annie Proulx will undoubtedly be captivated by Henderson's evocative prose and insightful storytelling. "The Flicker of Old Dreams" is not just a story about death and decay; it is a testament to the enduring human spirit. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can flicker, and redemption is always possible. This award-winning novel (High Plains Book Award Winner for Fiction, Western Writers of America Spur Award Winner for Best Contemporary Western Novel, WILLA Literary Award Winner in Contemporary Fiction, Montana Book Award Honor Book) is a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautifully written, thought-provoking fiction that stays with you long after you turn the final page.