The Sky Fisherman

It’s nice to read a really solid novel with a good story line and depth of characters.  In The Sky Fisherman by Craig Lesley the reader is taken to the northwest US region of Oregon and discovers the rural regions where Native Americans and “transplants” descended from Europe interact in present-day time.  These mixing of cultures and family issues play a central theme in the book.  The main character, Culver, is moved around as a youngster after the tragic death of his father while fishing, a common life issue in the region.  Culver’s mother remarries Riley, whom becomes an arsonist after Culver’s mom decides to leave him in the middle of the night.  Culver and his mother move back to the place of their earlier life with the help of Uncle Jake, the brother of Culver’s father.  Culver, a high school basketball star, struggles with the constant moves and inability of knowing the mystery of his father’s death.  Culver begins work for his uncle at the bait and tackle shop, which can’t be easy for the youth being around daily reminders of his Dad’s business.  As always, there is more to the story of Culver’s dad’s death, the Native American local lore, the spirits of the raving rivers, and the fact that his stepdad has turned into an arsonist and communicates undercover to Culver.  The author weaves in local legend, coming of age youth story, and the struggle of a mother to face her own guilty past.  The symbolism of the light, water, and stars are in full play with Lesley.  It is never easy for a kid to grow up with so much movement and so little knowledge of his past.  While a few things got lost in the many characters presented, the main story of two people’s guilt forcing them to make decisions that may end their life gave this one a surprise ending.  A pretty good read.