LitReactor Interviews Robert Tomaino About New Madrid
The LitReactor recently interviewed Robert Tomaino about his book New Madrid. Click here to read Tomaino's discussion of the Salem Witch Trials, the Western novel, and the importance of literature.
Read more about New Madrid below.
Imagine a world in which the Salem witch trials never ended…It's the early 1800s and Jack Ellard is a reluctant lawman of the growing river town of New Madrid, Missouri. Expelled from the army for his role in a brutal Native American massacre, Jack has carved out a solitary life as sheriff and rebuffed several offers to become marshal. Despite his desire to avoid controversy and conflict, trouble follows him out west. When a young girl named Abigail Duncan goes missing, everything changes. Jack is forced to delve into the town's secrets and confront his feelings for the girl's mother, Sarah. But when a firebrand preacher named Elijah Prescott, and a city-raised Native American named Chata, arrive and offer to help find the young girl, Jack is unsure of their motives. Neither is who they claim to be. Even Sarah seems to be hiding things from him, and Jack begins to fear the preacher's criticism of her bold and uncompromising demeanor.
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Such a fascinating interview! The concept of an alternate history where the Salem witch trials spread across the Old West makes for incredible world building. Crafting complex narrative turns like that takes precision and sharp timing, pretty much like steering through tight corners in Drift Boss. Adding this book to my reading list!