Book Review: ‘Small World: A Novel’ By Jonathan Evison

The new novel by Jonathan Evison may be one of the best books of the year and it’s only January. A really well-written, character driven story, that follows group of characters from when their ancestors showed up in this country (over 170 years ago) and to what there lives are in present 2019. The book goes back and forward and we follow along with their stories. You won’t want to put this book down. In 2019 Walter Bergin is on his final day working for Amtrak. He’s retiring early and is on his final ride of the train from Portland, Oregon to Seattle. The weather is pretty bad and for the first time in his life he look down at his phone while driving for a quick second. That’s all it took for his speed to be to fast and he crashes. We learn his backstory via flashbacks as well of the history of a variety of characters that are on the train when it crashes. How their pasts and present collide is what drives this incredible story of diverse characters during historical times of slavery, outlaws, Indians and Chinese immigration. You will not be disappointed.

You can pick up Small World in stores on Tuesday, January 11th from Dutton.