Reviews for Trapped in the secret passage

The average rating for Trapped in the secret passage based on 2 reviews is 2.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-04-30 00:00:00 Stephen M. Fromhold There are three reasons I read this book: One, I took a fiction writing class with Michael Parker and he is probably my favorite professor up to this point. Two, I read his short story: "Hidden Meanings, Treatment of Time, Supreme Irony, And Life Experiences in the Song 'Aint Gonna Bunp No More Big Fat Woman'" and it is arguably my all-time favorite short story. The third reason, is that Mr. Parker had extra copies and so I got this book for free. The two main characters here both serve as very expansive windows into the world that Parker created. Two people who didn't belong in their home town, but because of being raised in their home town, don't really belong much of anywhere. Interestingly enough, the side characters that show up are the ones that I will miss the most. I never wanted to leave characters like Benny and Cy, but just like with everyone else, Randall and Reka (and the reader) have to move on. I definitely appreciated the writing itself--a lot of modern literary novels seem to be trending towards prose that's intentionally discombobulating, ambiguous for the sake of being more complex. Even when I like the imagery enough to appreciate prose, I still partly resent the writer for taking themselves so seriously. But in this book, the imagery is just as rich and there are plenty of great lines, without trying to flaunt anything. The sentences flow so smoothly that it reads a bit like if Elmore Leonard injected his prose with great metaphors and dream-like detail. Because the writing style was so refreshing, it made up for a few things that I felt were lacking from the story--I wanted to see more of what the characters' lives were back home that made their bond so strong, and the ending felt so short-lived that I barely feel I experienced it. But if you're looking for a well-written novel that takes you on some long, satisfying road trips across familiar American places, give this one a read.

Review # 2 was written on 2019-06-14 00:00:00 Michael Mueller This was a roller coaster of a read - not in regards to plot, but in my feelings for the book. It starts out as one of the most dry books I've ever read. Other reviewers raved about the characterization....what characterization exactly? It wasn't until I was almost finished with the book that I realized essential aspects of the two awkward protagonists. I think about halfway through the novel some essential questions started to be raised such as if one can truly "escape" home despite traveling across the country, a question I myself have frequently struggled with. Also, the brother and sister protagonists struggle with distance because of a very strong relationship and make critical decisions to "find" each other again. This hit me hard, especially now that my brother and I, who were always so close, are so distant from each other not only physically but also emotionally which is one of the most painful feelings I've ever experienced. But the characters make some unusual decisions due to these feelings (like living outside in a swamp?) and the ending leaves absolutely no resolution - only more questions. Ambiguous endings can be intriguing and mysterious when done eloquently, but this ending was awkward, disturbing, and unclear (was she actually talking to her lover or only imagining it? -for that would make a huge difference.). Yes, some descriptions were somewhat pretty and lyrical but overall, I'm glad this tedious novel has come to an end.