The Narrows

By Alexander C. Irvine

From award-winning author Alexander C. Irvine comes a compelling, fantastical riff on history and World War II.

Spared fighting in Europe because of a bum hand, Jared wishes he could join the cause, instead of mindlessly sifting clay to be made into golems. But there is something that preys on his dreams: the devilish dwarf known as the Nain Rouge. In his youth, Jared once actually saw the Dwarf--a chilling creature that shows itself to individuals just before their demise. Now the Nain Rouge appears to be coming back for Jared himself.

Many have a profound interest in Jared's childhood run-in with the Dwarf--including a German spy, Jared's hateful foreman at the golem factory, and a shape-shifting Indian shaman. But what could a simple man who earns a meager living possibly have to do with espionage and dark deeds? While Jared toils invisibly in the bowels of Henry Ford's plant, the answer is about to reveal itself in a cataclysm of mythic and sinister proportions.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345466985
• ISBN13: 9780345466983
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Del Rey Books
• Length: 341 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Engaging Story

The Narrows does a nice job mixing genres (in this case Science Fiction, Fantasy and the Historical Novel), to give us an engaging story of the Second World War. The hero, Jared Cleaves, helps to build golems (mythical Jewish creatures made of earth) that are sent against the Nazis. Certainly the delicious irony of this is not lost, but the story also mixes intrigue and a nice dash of baseball (clearly Mr. Irvine's passion, as it plays a prominent role in so many of his books). You get a real sense of the time and place of the novel, and the characters are well-drawn. So if you want a good read and enjoy baseball, World War II, or a nicely woven plot, this book won't disappoint. My only complaint is that since the novel is set in Detroit, we don't actually get to see Jewish golems bashing the crap out of Nazis, but that doesn't really diminish a fine effort at storytelling.

A real page-turner with a fresh hook

I'm not much of a war story reader, and I haven't read many spy thrillers, but this book is sort of a mix of both of these things with a heavy dose of cynical fantasy thrown in, and I really loved it. I think you can truly judge the merit of a book by the opinions of the crossover readers who might not usually pick up such a book. I couldn't stop turning the pages, as there was an intriguing revelation every few pages or so. The dialogue was very natural and the description was minimalist but well done. The character development also was pretty good, but the book really shines on its action. I found the golems to be very interesting characters and was fascinated by their actions throughout the story. If Irvine was able to get me reading about one aspect of life in America during World War II, he's a brilliant writer indeed, because I usually avoid that sort of thing. I'll definitely be looking for more of Irvine's writings.

Satisfying and exciting!

It's World War II and Hitler's army is marching across Europe. The United States is at war, and they're using everything in their arsenal, including magic. Jared Cleaves wants to do his part, but a childhood accident keeps him from the front lines. Instead he is put to work at Henry Ford's (yes THAT Henry Ford) plant in Detroit. He is one of a select few who spend their days shifting through clay, clay that will be used to make golems who will be sent over to fight on the front lines. What Jared doesn't know is that he's being watched by secret powers, and soon, he is reluctantly drawn into spying for different parties that are all vying for an edge that will bring the war to a close. Alexander C. Irvine spins a masterful tale that is one part history lesson and another part fantasy. His is a parallel world where golems are raised from clay, Indian shamans can transform into ravens, and a mysterious dwarf, whose appearance portends destruction for the city of Detroit and maybe the world, makes an appearance. Armchair Interviews says: The Narrows takes a bit of getting use to. It's not a fast read since the main action is broken up with poetic interludes. At times these breaks in the action can be distracting when they lean towards the surreal, but in Irvine's hands it all comes together in a satisfying and exciting ending.

fabulous alternate historical fantasy

During WWII in Detroit, Jared Cleaves is unable to serve in the military due to a hand injury he suffered as a child that leaves him 4-F. Jared is embarrassed to stay behind among mostly women and children as he feels healthy enough to fight in spite of his hand and wants to help his home country in the war. The Office of Esoteric Investigation selects Jared to work on the Top Secret Ford golem project aptly dubbed "Frankenline". However, he still remains depressed that he cannot enter the war zone as he desperately wants to share the dangerous load most males and the golems must bear. Pushing to become deeper involved, Jared soon realizes he may have leaned too hard on a weird door when he becomes a key player in a scheme to tap into the supernatural power of imps that "live" underneath the Motor City. However, he soon concludes that these supernatural creatures are impossible to control and will run rampant throughout Detroit unless Jared can stop them. THE NARROWS is a fabulous alternate historical fantasy that provides a wild ride through 1943 Detroit as the Nazis look like kindergarten students when compared to the imp storm troopers. The story line is action-packed from start to finish, but driving the plot is the wonderful Jared who just feels he must do more than he is doing. When he gets his wish and meets up with the underground and some weird Feds, he learns plenty of lessons about receiving what you ask for. The supernatural creatures seem natural adding to a fine thriller, but the besieged Jared keeps the fabulous tale together. Harriet Klausner