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Absolutely unreal-- in every sense of the word. Unbelievably creative, and SO difficult to categorize... Historical Fantasy Ribald Fable?

Synopsis

Percy the Hare lives just beyond the notice of most decent folk in 1880’s Lafayette, Indiana, a town on the Wabash River and the Wabash & Erie Canal. But the aging hare plays a vital role in the city’s illicit activities and has a colorful mix of friends and acquaintances. When his longtime companion and madam Evaline Wells needs an escort for her adopted daughter’s excursions into the late-night euchre circuit, who better than the ornery hare to see her through its challenges. Through their clever friendship, Percy and young Esther Wells bring to life the gas-lit world of early Lafayette town, in all its color, pageantry, grit, folklore, and mystery.

"Parcy Hare" is absolutely unreal-- in every sense of the word. (in a good way!)

Knowing that this is Craig Martin's first published book I was uncertain what I was going to read. And given the book-jacket description it was even more difficult to guess at the story and quality of writing. I had no need to worry, it is incredibly well-written and proved to be unexpectedly captivating. It is an actual "page-turner" which was difficult to put down.

The writing is unbelievably creative, with a narrative full of twists and turns; and it is full of numerous unique characters who are both richly drawn & memorable.

Making the whole volume REALLY unusual (and unusually good) is an additional layer of information given through footnotes, asides from the author, and out of the mouths of the characters themselves which shares a grab-bag of some of the weirder history and mythology of Indiana -- and the book leaves it up to the reader to puzzle out the facts from fiction, which rather than confusing things actually make the whole story a cohesive whole. (albeit a bit of a fever-dream!)

As a reader, there are few higher complements I can give other than this: "Percy Hare" was a really fun & enjoyable read.

If this book has a flaw, it stems from it's strength: The whole thing is SO creative that it becomes difficult to categorize. Historic Fiction doesn't recognize the flights of fancy it enters into; nor is it simply fantasy because it is grounded in reminding us of the culture and out-dated norms of 19th century America. The biggest mistake would be to think of this story, with it's main character a talking rabbit(!), as a children's book since in amidst the fun it does touch on social issues and adult themes.

The best description I would offer is : "Historical Fantasy Ribald Fable"? (not exactly a big section in your local bookstore....)

Well written, Surprisingly fun, Unusual, and Creative -- highest marks!

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Percy Hare and the Girl in the Game

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