A Book Set in Camas?
July 17, 2020 - For today’s blog post we’re going to focus on a novel that is actually set in Camas, Washington. Camas, WA? Featured in a novel?? Yes, it is true! Well, mostly set in Camas. I’m guessing many of you already know which novel I’m referring to. It is The Brothers K. by David James Duncan. If you are looking for your next novel, I recommend you check it out.
The Brothers K.
The Brothers K. follows the Chance family, who live in Camas in the early 1960s. The paper mill features prominently as the family patriarch is employed there. The story chronicles the family’s trials and tribulations with religion, baseball, and clashing ideals, during a tumultuous time in the United States. It is a sweeping representation of these years. The book has garnered favorable reviews from various outlets including Buzzfeed, Kirkus, and The Wall Street Journal.
Who is David James Duncan?
Author David James Duncan was born in Portland, Oregon and currently lives in Lolo, Montana. While his best-known work is the The Brothers K., he is also a well-known essayist and environmental advocate. You can find his writings in many publications, including this 1998 essay in The Sun entitled “Who Owns the West?”
Here’s an informative interview Duncan did in 2019 with Cutbank Literary Journal where he talks about his first novel, a forthcoming novel, and writing in general. Also, a second interview with Deschutes Public Library in 2006.
Check out his website to learn more about his first novel and his collections of essays on the environment and spirituality.
Already Read The Brothers K. and Looking for Other Books by the Author or Similar Books?
Check out additional novels written by Duncan, as well as novels that share traits with The Brothers K., all available at the Camas Public Library.
River Teeth: Stories and Writings by David James Duncan
My Story as Told by Water by David James Duncan
Mink River by Brian Doyle
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner
The Best Last Place: A Montana Anthology edited by William Kittredge and Annick Smith.
Elliot Stapleton, Library Associate
July 17, 2020
