The Pale Surface of Things

Product Description:
Archaeology, goats and dogs, honor, ethics, lies and betrayals are part and parcel of all that happens when two cultures abrade. When a young American archaeologist runs from his impending marriage and secure future, and finds himself in the traditional world of a Cretan village, he is forced to confront the feelings he has avoided all his life: rage, fear, envy, and shame, as he becomes the central pawn in a vicious family vendetta. During World War II, the village suffered terrible reprisals at the hands of the Nazis. The present day priest is the grandson of the priest at that time. He works to heal the deep wounds remaining from the war. Love, loyalty, power, and death all pass through the days of the story as it unfolds across the face of western Crete.

Wonderfully written, compelling, and hard to put down. 
Compelling first novel.

Begins slowly as the scene is set with exacting architectural and cultural details about the island of Crete. If you've never been to Crete (neither have I), try not to get bogged down in the details. Keep reading. You'll be rewarded. Bennett speeds up the action and all you want to do is turn the next page to find out what happens next without getting a paper cut. (I'm surprised I am writing this! Each month my book club gently persuades me to leave my bookshelves filled with nonfiction books to enjoy a book of fiction from time to time. I'm glad I chose to read The Pale Surface of Things.)

Each chapter alternates among key characters--Douglas, a young man, who runs away from his wedding and learns about living after nearly dying; Fr. Dimitrios, a third-generation priest, who gently provides guidance to the villagers while coming to terms with his own love lost, a young boy, Aleko, who keeps his integrity while others compromise theirs, Aleko's evil uncle, and more.

Bennett skillfully weaves lessons of life in her debut novel. After Douglas relinquishes his passport while waiting to appear in court, he settles into the day-to-day activities of Crete-- learning the value of simplicity of presence in a land he has temporarily adopted. While he helps others and works to earn his keep, he learns life lessons (and so do we).

The Pale Surface of Things 
I've read this book and it is absolutely wonderful. Great story line, believable characters, a very enjoyable read. Once you start to read it, you will not want to put it down because you will want to know what is going to happen next to each of the characters.

Well worth the read 
The Pale Surface of Things was a good read. Other reviewers tell the plot, I simply wanted to point out a couple of things to the reader- first, the author clearly understands the cultures she is writing about, and has done an excellent job of bringing this to the reader. Second, a number of the characters are skillfully brought full circle through personal crisis, paralleling events in the story.

You can't fake knowing the scent of the air, the sound of the forest, the taste of the foods, or the presence of culture, and this all came through quite well in the book.

I recommend it. I read it in Malta, relaxing by the Mediteranean, and it seemed a natural fit, nothing stilted or fake about this book.

Regarding the characters, one of the main characters not from Crete is shot by another, a local. the remark is made "Why would he shoot him? He's not even Greek!" and this is about as sharp a reflection of the culture as you can get, a true understanding of island thinking.

Take the time to read this.

Suspense and humor on Crete 
This book grew on me, and I continue to have a sense of well-being after finishing it. I'm not sure how to characterize this book except to say that each time it seems to be fairly predictable it steps aside from the path, just enough to satisfy without being hokey.

It's set on Crete in current times and follows several characters who, of course, eventually intertwine and affect each other. Oh, by the way, drop your expectation of archaeology, it's tangential. The pace is good and the tale isn't maudlin or sappy. Mostly it's about values, the choices we make, and the consequences (no it doesn't preach at all) set in a pretty good story. Probably a good book group book.

Book Review 
The Pale Surface of Things reads like a tapestry of textures weaving emotional, spiritual, cultural, and familial threads into an engrossing glimpse of life in a traditional Cretan village. Bennett's tale encompasses the dichotomies of life: human frailty and resilience, belonging and alienation, forgiveness and redemption, shame and courage. A fast paced novel that will transport you into the lives of unforgettable characters and a cherished ancient landscape.

Nicholas Zaferatos, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Urban Planning.
Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University.