The first story of \A Brief History of the Flood"" beautifully sets the scene'the dysfunctional Andersons of Acorn Lake, Minn. begin decorating their pontoon boat for a float ""parade.""
Despite the book's presentation as a typical story of family conflict, the characters within are actually quite involving. Jean Harfenist, in her first fiction book, has put together a compilation of short stories that covers over 10 years in the life of a dysfunctional family. The episodic nature combined with her wonderful narrative style creates a novel that is satisfying and easy to read, although ultimately a bit depressing.
Lillian Anderson, the narrator, speaks in sharp first-person description. As she grows from age eight to age 18, each of the 11 stories brings more of the Anderson family and their problems to light. Her mother is depicted as a difficult manic-depressive and her father is in a perpetual state of annoyance, mostly to prevent further disturbances. Only in flashes does Lillian ever sense that her father even loves her. Her sister and two brothers brave this rocky home terrain and slowly grow up.
Amazingly, the watchful Lillian sees and recounts everything about the experience. Each episode is thoroughly described both physically and emotionally. Harfenist's raw skill as a storyteller is apparent as she draws emotional tone into a scene without overtly telling us how to feel. Her ability to mold language as necessary brings a new dimension, making Lillian's story seem quite realistic. Concern for the military draft, talk about love and odd childhood antics all seem real.
For example, the opening chapter delivers the story of the pontoon float. As Lillian's mom gets the idea for the family float (a floating wedding cake), the children assist her. Lillian catches all the details of her father's aggravation and her mother's obsession with the project. All seems well when it comes time to enter the parade, but there is a feeling of calm denial. Nothing has been fixed, and everyone but the youngest children realize it. When her dad starts lobbing cherry bombs into the air as they pass the judging area, his actions are unsurpurising, although still quite entertaining. For the first time he seems satisfied. Meanwhile her mom goes into a depressive fit and spends days in the bedroom.
Although not a full novel, Harfenist has developed a style that will serve her well in future works. This compilation of stories is a series, leading to the expected (but well-executed) coming-of-age climax. Lillian and her journeys are worth reading, if only to see a few of your own family's dysfunctions reflected in the Andersons.
