Book Review: Tom’s Crossing by Mark Z. Danielewski

5/5 stars. I wish I could rate it higher. This novel might be my favorite that I have ever read! A modern classic.

Danielewski has created a masterpiece of modern literature set in the guise of a coming-of-age ghost story about two young people trying to save a pair of horses from slaughter. Having just finished the book (listening to the audio and reading along with the physical book), I still have quite a bit to process about it. There are moments from the tale that I will replay and reread again and again. Susan Dalian does a magnificent job with her narration. Her voice is what I hear when I think of Landry Gatestone and the amazing way MZD constructs this book. This novel will stay with me for years to come. There are many references to Greek mythology, and I understand there are many Easter eggs to MZD’s other stories, but the story itself feels like a Greek myth in its own right. There are moments when the reader will laugh, cry, be afraid for the main characters, despise other characters (and even be sickened or disgusted by their actions), find hope and promise, and witness revenge and redemption. But even with all that emotional turmoil, the story is beautiful and deserves to be read and reread for many generations to come.

The characters in this story fulfill some tropes but do so in unique ways. Tom, the titular character, is certainly a kind, caring friend and brother, who is also a trickster, playing jokes and laughing at the world. Kalin, one of our main characters, is the tragic hero or the trusting dupe, depending on your take of the story. Landry, the other main character and adopted sister of Tom, is the sidekick who keeps Kalin grounded and focused. Old Porch and his second son, Egan, represent the mean, evil persona who is the antagonist of our heroes, or are they just trying to do right by their family in a misguided way? Danielewski leaves so many questions but also provides answers, to a point. A careful reading of the story gives one interpretation, but will a second reading give a different one?

Throughout the narrative, we encounter commenters on the events that occurred – why this happened the way it did or what might have happened if this event had happened later – and it is these various perspectives that add flavor and depth to a simple tragedy. It is these depths of thought and discussion that bring in the Greek mythologies and the similarities to other stories. The way this story builds to its climax is so marvelously orchestrated that I am not sure many other writers could have achieved this level of perfection.

Mark Z. Danielewski has created a new classic piece of literature that should be enjoyed by everyone! Highly recommended!!