Kent Meyers

An Introduction

By Catherine Tudor

I stumbled across The River Warren last month while browsing at the local Barnes & Noble. I remembered visiting author, Noah Lukeman, had showcased the novel on his literary agency's Web site. The descriptions I'd read, from various sources, didn't sound like the kind of book that usually catches my eye: about the gossip surrounding a truck driver named Two-Speed Crandall who crashes his semi into the small agrarian town of Cloten, Minnesota, killing himself, many of the cattle in his trailer, and his wife. I decided to read the first few pages to see if I would like the author's style. The first sentence (quoted on the next page) was enough: the author's profundity gave me chills. I took the book home and devoured it. It's been years since a contemporary author has made such an impact on me.

When I requested an interview, I was honored Kent Meyers would take time out of his busy teaching schedule to accept. I then bought a copy of Light in the Crossing, and read his collection of short stories based on similar themes: friendship, community, family, and the land as a way of life. I highly recommend reading both books as they complement each other well, and Two-Speed Crandall is explored in both books. He is a literary figure whose mysterious life intrigues me as does Pop Bottle Pete in The River Warren. The test of a great novel for me is this: when I meet new characters and discover places I will never forget.

I feel devoid of words when it comes to expressing my admiration for this author's storytelling abilities. I'm a native Iowan, so I appreciate his keen descriptions of the Midwestern landscape, the stoicism of the rural families, and also know from experience the almost incestuous and tattletale qualities that come with living in a small town. However, what impresses me most about Kent's work is his genius to see through the eyes of many diverse personalities, and bring them to life so poetically. His characters pause long enough to reflect without becoming self-indulgent. The pacing of the narrative is never lost. I am reading reviews online about Kent's books and he is being compared to William Faulkner. Keep an eye on this talent. And don't miss our interview. I've asked Kent many questions about his writing process. There is much to learn from this lyrical author.

Catherine Tudor founded One Woman's Writing Retreat in 1996 in order to create a network for writers at all stages in their careers. Read more about her here.

About the Author

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