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Close [X]Driftless
by: Rhodes, David, 1946-

Ironic that the main character in a novel called Driftless is, himself, a drifter. July Montgomery (gotta love the name) blows into tiny Words, Wisconsin, on the winds of fate and, like a tall grass prairie seed, settles into the scenery, putting down roots that soon anchor him to his adopted community. "For better or worse, this place would become his home," the narrative states, insinuating, "till death us do part."

The small rural town is peopled with eccentric characters—some of which grow beyond their preconceptions and form new conclusions about their neighbors and themselves. All of these characters interact, in one way or another, with July Montgomery. Who will change and who is incapable of changing is part of the attraction for the reader.

When viewed from a moving car, a field of wildflowers becomes a blur of weeds, while a leisurely hike reveals a diverse community of individual plants, each uniquely striking. Driftless is that walk in the meadow, to be taken slowly and comfortably. Only then can the color of the story and the strength of its characters gain clarity. This Midwestern landscape that Rhodes presents, however, is not entirely pastoral. A deceitful dairy, a mountain lion, a blizzard, gambling, dogfights, assorted miracles and a naked musician keep the plot moving toward its unexpected end. Readers who enjoy stories about small-town life or the unsentimental outlook of the rural Midwest may find themselves hooked on Driftless like a cocklebur on nappy socks.

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For more information about the book and the author, or to see a list of previous All Iowa Reads selections, visit www.iowacenterforthebook.org/air.