I don’t want to jump the gun on the next round of LBC nominees, but I can’t stop myself from urging you to read Jamestown by Matthew Sharpe right now.
The dark satire retells the story of the Jamestown settlers in a dystopic future. The men — all men — travel in an unreliable, armor-clad bus from Manhattan, down a shattered route 95, hoping to secure resources from the Virginia indians. Before they’ve reached their destination, they’ve gotten mired in power struggles, lust and bloodlust.
While the buses’ communications specialist Johnny Rolfe tells his side of things, Pocahontas tells hers. And she, as Jim Ruland writes, steals the show. An outspoken 19-year-old, she’s at times obnoxious, ebullient and thoughtful. Pocahontas and Johnny are destined to come together, of course, despite the distraction of Jack Smith.
There are other narrative perspectives, including the bosses back in Manhattan, a concerned MILF, and the advisor to the Indians’ leader, Sidney Feingold. The settlers, in one of many misinterpretations, call him “Sit Knee Find Gold.” For all the book’s playfulness, however, it’s sincere in its brutality, which is, sadly, historically accurate.
I’ll say more later. But for now, thanks, Megan, for nominating Jamestown.
No problem. I’m so glad you liked it. Hopefully everyone else will too. I read Triangle last week. That’s some stiff competition for Jamestown.