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| Book Review — Special to ClubMemoir.org |
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With a confiding, conversational tone,
Dr. Larimore brings you along to the bucolic Smoky Mountain town in which
the memoir is set. Strong, concrete detail and lively, idiomatic dialogue
bring the story's setting and characters to life. He imbues the narrative
with meaning as he examines and reflects upon his role as a "trained professional"
who is as prone to doubts, imperfections, and frailties as anyone else.
This memoir begins with a homicide for which Dr. Larimore acts as the
county coroner for the first time. The author unflinchingly recounts the
gory, gruesome scene of a man with his head blown off by a close-range shotgun.
The story is raw, real, and visceral, yet it seems like a transparent attempt
to capture the reader's attention and to demonstrate that this isn't your
average, sleepy town tale in which nothing really happens. Though a legitimate
and effective technique, in this case, it seems about as subtle as a mountain-dweller
from Bryson City.
The unusual organization of the subsequent chapters also accentuates this
ploy for attention. The narrative flies back in time a year from the murder
for "Part One," in which the author provides necessary background information
at a markedly slower pace. Then time jumps forward to a little before the
murder for "Part Two," completing the picture by eventually coming back to
the aftermath of Dr. Larimore's first act as a coroner. From then on, time
moves more or less chronologically with periodic flashbacks to older memories.
This organization feels a bit like the author is doing backbends to start
with the murder scene and yet not confuse the reader too much by jumping
around in time.
At times, the foreshadowing seems awkward and obvious, but the author still
manages to build a sense of tension caused by the contrast of old-fashioned,
"kitchen" medicine and new, prestigious, modern practice. For example, Dr.
Larimore's colleagues make several comments such as "didn't they teach you
that up at the ivory tower?" Through his thoughts, Dr. Larimore shows that
such comments affronted him inwardly, but outwardly he took it on the chin
and used the opportunity to learn something new. You might even pick up
a trick or two along with the good doctor.
Dr. Larimore's heart-warming, lively anecdotes chronicle how he overcomes
being not quite welcome in the small, close-knit town, gains the confidence
of his peers, and finally gains acceptance and respect from the people of
Bryson City. Healthy doses of humility and humor keep the prose light and
interesting. However, some conclusions of chapters sound slightly mawkish
and overblown as the author spells out the "moral of the story" in no uncertain
terms.
In the end, Bryson City Tales leaves you with plenty of warm fuzzies and
wanting more. You even may find yourself relating these stories to others
as if Dr. Larimore were a personal friend. Overall, the book is an entertaining
read that employs enough human interest, drama, and conflict to keep you
turning the pages until the last one.
— Viveka E. Neveln
ClubMemoir.org special correspondent
This book review is the property of its author
and ClubMemoir.org.
It may not be reproduced without the prior consent of ClubMemoir.org
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Bryson City Tales by Walt Larimore, MD