Stars Go Blue

Starred review from May 1, 2014

Award-winning author Pritchett introduced Renny and Ben Cross in Hell's Bottom, Colorado, a novel that's unsparing in its stark detail of ranch life in eastern Colorado. In this emotionally charged new book, Renny and Ben are still devoted but have been driven apart by the murder of their daughter Rachel, from which neither has recovered. Rachel's abusive husband, Ray, spent time in prison for the crime, but now he's out and headed back to his hometown nearby. Facing a dangerous man like Ray is only one of Renny's worries. She has to figure out how best to dispose of their failing ranch while watching Ben struggle with Alzheimer's. In his muddled state, Ben has secretly devised a bizarre plan to assure justice for Rachel and a secure future for their surviving daughter and grandchildren, but Renny suspects his scheme when she finds the notes he's written to himself on little pieces of paper. Determined to rescue him, Renny foolishly heads out into a frightening blizzard. In the final chapter, granddaughter Jess speaks from the heart about Ben's dignity, his respect for the land, and his solid devotion to his family. VERDICT Pritchett delivers a brilliant novel, filled with heartache and humor, that will strike a chord with many readers. A heart-wrenching exploration of a family in crisis.--Donna Bettencourt, Mesa Cty. P.L., Palisade, CO

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 1, 2014
Readers will remember Renny and Ben Cross from Pritchett's stellar first collection of linked stories, Hell's Bottom, Colorado (2001). Life in the meantime has not been kind to the salt-of-the-earth, hard-working couple. Their daughter, Rachel, was murdered before their very eyes a few years back by her meth-head husband, Ray. Now Ben has rapidly progressing dementia, and Renny is left to tend to the ranch and her husband single-handedly. When the Crosses learn that Ray has been released from prison in nearby Greeley, Ben leaves in the midst of a snowstorm to confront the man who ruined his family, armed with enough weapons to ensure his misery will end. When Renny discovers Ben is gone, she takes off in what is now a full-blown blizzard, uncertain that she will find Ben in time. There is more than just the bleak and unforgiving setting of the Rocky Mountain foothills to recommend Pritchett to fans of Kent Haruf's similarly placed novels. Strength of character and simplicity of language comparably complement a rich underpinning of savagery and sadness as Pritchett sensitively navigates the end of a life and sublimely realizes its enduring legacy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)