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Castle Freeman

Author of Go with Me

13+ Works 606 Members 50 Reviews

About the Author

Castle Freeman is the award-winning author of two previous novels, a story collection and a collection of essays. He has been the lead essayist for The Old Farmer's Almanac since 1982, and lives in Newfane, Vermont. His previous books include My Life and Adventures, Judgement Hill and The Bride of show more Ambrose. His work has featured in an anthology of Best American Short Stories. show less
Image credit: Photo taken by Jane Lindholm

Series

Works by Castle Freeman

Associated Works

Barn plans and outbuildings (1881) — Foreword, some editions — 133 copies
Contemporary Vermont Fiction: An Anthology (2014) — Contributor — 5 copies

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Reviews

This was a fun, well-written tale about a woman looking for help to deal with the town bully/kingpin who's stalking her. The town sheriff is no help, but points her to the local rowdy boys. She hooks up with one of the old boys there, and a young tough, who agree to solve her problem. The rest of their day is mostly taken up on a Homeresque journey trying to locate the bad guy in one of his gritty haunts. The writing is punchy and colored with a strong feel for small town Northeast.

3 bones!!!… (more)
 
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blackdogbooks | 22 other reviews | May 7, 2023 |
I absolutely loved Freeman's book of linked stories, Round Mountain, which I read a few years ago. I immediately acquired Go with Me but for some unfathomable reason I left it languishing on shelf. I finally read it and it did not disappoint. This is a cool mix of Cormac McCarthy and Daniel Woodrell, with dialogue worthy of Elmore Leonard at his best. Lean, mean and starkly funny at times. At 170 pages, it will be over before you know it and you will be aching for more.
 
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msf59 | 22 other reviews | Apr 16, 2023 |
I read this book based on a Goodreads friend's review. Like her, I wondered what I was getting into for the first 30 pages and then the story began to pick up and I found it very entertaining. It is a very quick read and offers quite a bit of dark humor - qualities I like. The fairly singular plot is complicated, yet intriguing. The dialogue moves quickly and is very realistic. I liked it!
 
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Kimberlyhi | 11 other reviews | Apr 15, 2023 |
Round Mountain by Castle Freeman Junior is a collection of twelve short stories all set in the backwoods of Round Mountain, Vermont and connected to each other by the reoccurring character, Homer Patch. Homer is a local boy, born and raised in Round Mountain, grows up to become the second county constable and eventually retires and is a genial, helpful good ol’ boy who hangs out with his cronies.

The stories are spread over decades, and each one covers an incident in Homer’s life. In this small rural community, the stories become significant as we learn about the people of the area, their fears, disappointments and hopes for the future. The author writes beautifully and even the most mundane moments come alive. Like fading snapshots the author has captured Homer and many other characters as they live their sometimes difficult lives. This is an author that knows his territory and captures the ebb and flow effortlessly.

Round Mountain is a wonderful collection and while I first fell in love with this author’s writing when I read “All That I Have”, this set of stories only adds to my admiration. His prose is sparse, but each word is chosen perfectly and captures the feeling of rural New England.
… (more)
½
 
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DeltaQueen50 | 10 other reviews | Mar 22, 2023 |

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Statistics

Works
13
Also by
2
Members
606
Popularity
#41,484
Rating
½ 3.6
Reviews
50
ISBNs
43
Languages
3

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