In The Wake of Forgiveness is an emotionally draining story. It is focused on the tragedy of one family in the harsh reality of Texas. The father's cruelty to his four young sons is the foundation on which this story is built. We see the boys grow without love or caring where "...the man works his boys like animals, instead of animals..." Despite their harsh upbringing, the men move on with their lives, three in one direction and one in another. Karel Skala, the youngest boy continues to live with this abusive father, fostering alienation from his brothers. Bruce Machart's language usage is amazing. His choice of words, his descriptions and his sense of story create an atmosphere as vivid as the Texas land itself. A difficult story told with care and dignity makes this book an unforgettable read. I look forward to his future works.
