Patti Abbott reviewed The Caretaker of Lorne Field a few weeks ago on her blog. I immediately picked up a copy and finally found time to read it. If you put Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and any Stephen King novel in a blender, the result would be something like The Caretaker of Lorne Field. Jack Durkin, the Caretaker, is from the sixth generation to weed Lorne field. The Durkin family has been weeding Lorne field for 300 years to prevent an invasion of the Aukowie, a blood-thirsty alien race. The Aukowie resemble small weeds, but as they grow larger, they become more powerful and murderous. Durkin has The Book of Aukowie, an ancient text that describes how the Aukowie must be fought on a daily basis, and a contract signed by the village which explains the role of the Caretaker and the obligations of the village to support the Caretaker. But, now, the new villagers think the Aukowie are a myth. Durkin tries to convince everyone who will listen of the threat, but he’s considered a mental case. The Caretaker of Lorne Field would have made a great Twilight Zone episode. Dave Zeltserman bears watching. I want to read his next book. GRADE: B+
Sounds pretty interesting, I could see the new villagers think it’s a myth part coming right away, but may be interested enough to want to find out what the result of this is.
I found THE CARETAKER OF LORNE FIELD fascinating, Rick. You would enjoy it.
I put it on hold at the library.
It’s a quick read, Jeff. But the story will linger in your mind for days.
Glad you liked it George. I am reading the Ron Rash stories, one a night. The first one was a knockout.
Ron Rash is a terrific writer, Patti. Yes, the collection gets off to an impressive start with that first story. Wait until you read “Confederate Dead.”
Just finished this today. Pretty good. The end reminded me of Stephen King of course.
But there was one more book that came to mind as I was reading it: THE BOOK OF JOB.
I thought THE CARETAKER OF LORNE FIELD was pretty good, too, Jeff. Dave Zeltserman bears watching.