Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by David Duchovny - 4.5 stars rounded up!
Bronson Powers is a former Hollywood stunt man who learns that he will inherit a huge piece of land in Joshua Tree, California, if he can prove himself to be Mormon. He immerses himself in the religion and becomes a true believer in the early teachings of the church. He builds a life totally off the grid with 3 wives and 10 children away from any contact with the outside world. Until Maya, working for a real estate development company, comes across their compound and has visions of turning a huge profit from the land, enough to position herself near the top of her company. She comes up with a plan - she tells Bronson that the State is aware that they are not properly educating their children and they could be taken away from him. But, she proposes an experiment - send 3 of the children to public school. If they thrive in their environment, proving that the Powers' education was not complete, Maya's firm would buy part of their property. One of the mothers accompany the children and get a crash course in 21st century living.
When I first started this book, I thought - I'm not smart enough to read it and I'm not sure I want to plow through 450+ pages like this. But never fear - Duchovny has written a complex, smart tale with so many layers that I was soon glued to the pages. I still am probably not smart enough to get full meaning out of everything but this is quite the story. Bronson has raised his children to live off the land, following him and his beliefs. They work hard for the good of the family and the adults all take active roles in the children's education. But imagine children who have been totally isolated thrust into today's world. The story is told through many of these characters' voices and you will be totally immersed in their feelings and decision-making. Lots to talk about with this book - religion, family, politics, sex. Don't miss this one!
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