Forty acres deep by Wisconsin author Michael Perry is a powerful novella about grief and loss. Perry is most known for essays and memoirs and this story is a fascinating departure from that writing.  Not to worry Perry’s powerful storytelling  that is created by exact word choice and pacing is still there. 

It is the story of a Wisconsin man isolating himself after his wife passes away. He reflects on all his failings and his failure to thrive in a changing society.

In the way that Perry is able to get deeper into the internal life of a guy reminded me of John Updike. Things that don’t normally get discussed.  For example ordering at a coffee shop. I could identify with getting flustered and having anxiety over not figuring out how to order a simple coffee off those fancy menu boards and then actually panicking. 

The finesse of Perry however is to show a guy struggling with new concepts such as gay people while also showing a willingness to want to know and be open minded.

Perry’s character is simply straightforward on the outside while complex on the inside. The story is compelling because the main character is not a racist or a sexist, but a old-fashioned guy struggling to keep up with the changing world. At the same time he has come face to face with the ugliness in his character.

I recommend this book to anyone that wants to be moved by pathos with a pacing that is like a orchestra performing.