The Smithy Miracles

By J. Denis Glover

Book Overview

The Smithy Miracles begins and ends with mystery and mysticism. What drives this simple swamp hermit, called "Sonny," to search for a long-lost and ancient father? What special bond does Sonny have with the redtail hawk that trails him?

Was the hermit's father really a water bearer to the dying at the Civil War battle of Cold Harbor a hundred years before? Does the smithy really perform miracles, or are they just figments of Sonny's imagination?

"Ain't no answers in the past. It don't exist," the old man announces. With such sayings, the smithy baffles Sonny and challenges him to question how he thinks and acts.

"I declare, you're a caution, Sonny " the game warden tells him at the end, having no idea the wonders Sonny has witnessed.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595309879
• ISBN13: 9780595309870
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

An Inspirational, Moving Story

This story is one of the more moving I have read in some time. It is a truly inspirational story about a man who never gives up inspite of some pretty awful opbstacles. You'll have tears in your eyes as you near the end.

Unforgettable

Every once in a while, a new book comes along that at once entertains, startles and entertains-and refuses to be put down or forgotten. Such a great book is The Smithy Miracles by J. Denis Glover (iUniverse 2004). It takes its place among other notable and unforgettable books as Ishi: Last of His Tribe by Theodora Kroeber (1964); The Pond by Robert Murphy (1964); and The Cay by Theodore Taylor (1968), to name but a few that come immediately to mind. "Smithy" is a novel that is a giant metaphor for life. Parts of the story describe the basest human thoughts and actions: prejudice, cruelty, hate and the like. These are offset by the greater portions that illustrate life as it can be lived. One forgets that this is a novel. The descriptions are brilliant! "Canopied rusted remains of shingle machines, crouching like raptors in molding caves," is only a minute sampling. Sonny's Papa has plenty to say about life: "Let's jis' say we choose to pin that note on ourself, or we don't. We got that choice, but we're gonna find out don't make no difference. None of us goes nowhere `cuz everywhere's here, you see?" Yes, Sonny, all the `notes' (labels) in the world are written by men who can't see what you now see. Readers of good literature, get this book! When you finally lay it aside, it remains with you.

A masterful must-read

This book is a must-read. You'll love it from beginning to end.A masterful work, combining elements of John Steinbeck ("The Pearl") and John Fowles ("The French Lieutenant's Woman"), "The Smithy Miracles" introduces a wonderfully developed character in Sonny, the endearing swamp hermit. You won't easily forget him.With near-perfect structure-flights from the swamp, arrival at the smithy's forge, and return to the swamp-this magical tale unfolds in well-written, focused narrative by a former editor at the world-famous "Christian Science Monitor." The style is vivid and fluid, even in the charming sections of near-dialect (but understandable) dialogue.You can read "The Smithy Miracles" on the poignant, colorful, exciting, and semi-tragic level, or you can read it on another, even more rewarding, one. It's based in reality and adventure, but it also has rich symbolic overtones. For example, the redtail hawk that follows Sonny appears regularly, and often subtly, as a kind of guardian angel. This device serves to clearly enforce the book's direction-its plot and its timeless meaning.Get this one, and know you can share it with others of almost any age.

The Smithy Miracles

An uplifting journey. Glover reminds us to look for beauty and joy in the simplicity of nature, to cherish everyday works of kindness and that home is carried in the heart.

A Breath of Fresh Air in Today's World

Rarely do I find a book I want to recommend to my friends as much as "The Smithy Miracles". Starting on page one the author develops his main character with realism. He makes you feel the heat of the burning marsh and the warmth of a father's love. I find it to be a thought provoking, well-written story. A great read. One that is short enough to be read again often!