Lincoln Bruce's
GOATHERDS AND GODS
A Mini Review of a Novel
by Cathy Buburuz
Like Shakespeare, Poe and the writers who penned the Word of God, Lincoln Bruce writes in a unique voice, yet his style is reader-friendly and easier to comprehend. His is a voice of beauty, clarity, brevity and he has a keen respect for language. More importantly, his style is as entertaining as it is educational. I learned a lot of substantial things from this writer about technique, pacing, imagery, and characterization.
Goatherds and Gods features a wonderful character named Joseph who, as a young adult, knows nothing about things outside his own world, having been raised in a goatherd community, never travelling beyond the desert where he was born. When he does venture forth, and is about to perish in the desert, he is saved by a tribe, meets and falls in love with Yasmen, and the two travel to a lush valley where they make plans to raise a family.
The relationship between Joseph and Yasmen is fascinating in that she is charged with responsibilty of teaching him about all aspects of life in his new world. An Elder who wanders into their territory also serves as his mentor.
For an interesting, indepth look at desert life in another time, explore the writings of Lincoln Bruce, also known as James B. Baker.