Review: Trials and Trails by Jim Halverson

Unexpected partnerships have formed the foundation of many memorable novels and stories throughout history, and in Trials and Trails by Jim Halverson, this long tradition is carried on with pride and heart.

Johnny B and Leroy both have plenty of reasons to be bitter or angry. As a Sioux Indian and an ex-slave in the Reconstruction period, neither of them can forget the injustices faced by themselves and their people, yet the only direction they can go is forward. Wandering from place to place, as so many great adventure novels do, these two men must face the prejudices that still exist, while overcoming the difficulties of life on the edge.

Without a place to call home, their lives tend to tangle up with those around them in unexpected and potentially dangerous ways, playing the part of savior, outcast, scapegoat, peacekeeper, and sage. As these two unlikely friends make their way across America, they shed light on some of the oldest and most troubling patterns in the country, while also discovering a pathway to forgiveness and a brighter future.

This debut novel shows an incredible sensitivity to the past, and the difficult mental spaces occupied by so many minorities in America, both throughout history and the present. Despite being set so far back in history, the lessons learned along their journey are eerily relevant to many of the struggles we still face today. Finding room for kindness in a hard world is wisdom that every reader can benefit from, and Halverson delivers this truth through a heartfelt and powerfully told story. There is heartbreak and loss, friendship and betrayal, as well as darker themes of suicide, racism and the endless struggle to identify “home.” Watching these two characters find salvation and happiness after challenges of every size and type, it’s hard not to be uplifted when you reach the final page.

The novel doesn’t fall short in terms of content, but the technical quality of the writing does leave something to be desired. Some of the plot progression feels forced through rushed writing and dry passages, where there are few literary flourishes or clever descriptions. The overall simplicity of the writing reflects the speakers and the rugged, rustic nature of the journey, but readers still expect the prose to occasionally sing. There are also some scenes that don’t seem to have much of an impact on the overall plot, and are more procedural in nature, as well as repeating previous points in the book.

The dialogue fluctuates between believable and functional, and the character development outside of Johnny B and Leroy is often weak. The people they interact with and meet are frequently archetypes or stereotypes with little individual description. The writing about the main characters’ emotions and personal struggles is rich and vibrant, but that descriptive power is not always consistent.

Overall, the novel does contain much raw beauty, blending philosophy and existential discussions into a simple, elegantly constructed plot that isn’t afraid to take chances or make readers uncomfortable. Despite some issues with descriptive flourish, Trials and Trails is a bold historical road novel that is as relevant today as its historical setting.