The Legend of the Barefoot Mailman: A Novel

This is a wonderful story of the power of legends. The author writes with a satirical twist -- which had me chuckling several times -- and also had me contemplating the near-universal need for heroes and shared stories.

Earl Shank is a man with a plan; several plans, actually, to develop his isolated Florida community and turn a healthy profit at the same time. None of his schemes succeed, until he meets Josef Steinmetz. Josef is a recent immigrant who has lost everything: his wife, his orchard and his shoes. Earl, as postmaster, hires Josef as letter carrier and with a little help from local Indians and an aspiring journalist, the legend of the barefoot mailman is born.

This is the kind of book you can read on two levels: an engrossing, show more funny story and a commentary on society. Both are well done and enjoyable. show less

This book did not capture my attention the way some books do.

This book did not capture my attention the way some books do.