Exploring the Heart of America: A Review of Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
If there’s one thing that always draws me into a novel, it’s the promise of profound character exploration paired with a historical backdrop that feels both familiar and foreign. That’s precisely why Patrick Ryan’s Buckeye caught my attention. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II and its aftermath, this book is more than just a story—it’s a tapestry woven with the threads of love, regret, and the complexity of the American experience.
The narrative follows the lives of Cal Jenkins, a man burdened by his lack of service in the war, and Margaret Salt, a woman whose husband is off fighting in the Pacific. Their chance encounter in the small town of Bonhomie, Ohio, in May 1945 sparks a series of events that will ripple through generations. As Ryan skillfully takes us from the 1920s to the 1970s, we become intimately acquainted with their families—experiencing their joys, sorrows, victories, and mistakes along the way.
One of the most compelling themes in Buckeye is the notion of time and how it shapes our lives. Ryan writes, “What is it about time that confounds us?” This question resonates deeply throughout the narrative, as each character grapples with their past choices, pondering how they might have done things differently. It’s an exploration that feels not just timely in the context of the historical setting, but also achingly relevant today. I found myself reflecting on my own shortcomings and what it means to embrace the lessons learned from our mistakes.
Ryan’s prose is lyrical and immersive, granting us access to the innermost thoughts of his characters. The pacing flows naturally, cycling through moments of tension and quiet introspection. The love and heartbreak depicted are so vividly rendered that I felt as if I was walking alongside Cal and Margaret, experiencing their lives firsthand. One memorable line—a reflection on the weight of mistakes—lingers with me: “Wasn’t it a fair measure of a person, what they did with their mistakes?” This encapsulates the essence of the novel, illustrating Ryan’s gift for crafting relatable, complex characters.
Perhaps what struck me most about Buckeye is its ability to channel the spirit of America itself—filled with hope, contradictions, and the relentless march of time. It’s a book that doesn’t shy away from showing that life is often messy and unpredictable, yet it also holds the promise of redemption. By the end, I found myself yearning for more time with these hauntingly beautiful characters—a testament to Ryan’s deft storytelling.
Buckeye is a book that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone intrigued by the intertwining of personal and national histories, as well as those who appreciate rich, character-driven narratives. If you’re seeking a heartfelt exploration of what it means to live, learn, and love through the trials of life, look no further. This novel has swiftly claimed a spot on my "favorites" shelf and I anticipate revisiting it often, eager to uncover its depths once again.
In short, if you’re on the lookout for the next Great American Novel, Buckeye might just be the one for you. Thank you to Random House Publishing Group for providing me with a digital copy via NetGalley—what a privilege it was to lose myself in this extraordinary narrative. All the stars for this beautiful journey!