- Paperback: 341 pages
- Publisher: Del Rey Books (27 Sep 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0345466985
- ISBN-13: 978-0345466983
- Product Dimensions: 14.1 x 1.9 x 20.9 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,748,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
From award-winning author Alexander C. Irvine comes a compelling, fantastical riff on history and World War II. The Narrows takes place in Detroit, where Henry Ford’s factories have been retooled for America’s grand war effort. But there are also more clandestine operations under way–including a top-secret effort to produce golems–powerful beings fashioned from the earth–to destroy Nazis. Here lurk strange spies in unlikely places–and a not-so-extraordinary man who is inadvertently poised at the bizarre, urgent center of it all. . . .
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 Ford’s plant, the answer is about to reveal itself in a cataclysm of mythic and sinister proportions.
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 Ford’s plant, the answer is about to reveal itself in a cataclysm of mythic and sinister proportions.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
7 reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Satisfying and exciting!
9 Nov 2005
Format:Paperback
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.
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.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Amazing
30 Nov 2005
Format:Paperback
It takes me weeks often several months to find a book that is just right, one that has the right combination of skilled writing and atmosphere. Irvines' "The Narrows" is such a book. The poetic asides, characterization and the elements of the supernatural which are blended so skillfully are just pitch perfect. I read the blurb, and decided against purchasing it from Amazon, but then I had an opportunity to actually begin reading it in my local bookstore and decided that I had to purchase it. The plot is an odd one, Golems, Nazis and Henry Ford but this book is wonderful and a great addition to my collection of "magic realism".
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
A real page-turner with a fresh hook
29 Mar 2006
Format:Paperback
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.
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.
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