Darlington’s Fall: A Novel In Verse
Set in Indiana, Darlington’s Fall follows the triumphs and tragedies of naturalist Russel Darlington. In 1895, the precocious Russel embarks on a life-long quest to understand “bugs.” By the time he enters college, it appears he will have a brilliant career discovering new species in the remote jungles of the Pacific. But tragedy alters his aspirations. Russel, however, refuses to give up on life, and finds joy down another avenue.
I have never read a novel quite like this one. Written entirely in verse, it mixes details of biology, history, and philosophy with the narrative of Russel’s life, and the occasional glimpse of the author’s search for who Russel was. The use of verse results in a rich novel: dense with meaning, its phrases delivered with wit and poignancy. Literary, yes, but never obscure. Although this novel could be read in an evening, I think it should be savored chapter by chapter. Its wealth of images remains in the mind long after the book is put down.
