Review: Holding On: Stories of Furnass by Richard Snodgrass

Brimming with rustic energy and written in an authentically American voice, Holding On by Richard Snodgrass is a surprising collection of stories that capture the rise and imminent fall of Furnass, a small American town like so many others.

In the industrial boom of the 20^th century, mill towns were enjoying their heyday, driving the great machine of the nation forward. Given the perspective of time, however, modern readers know that this would be a temporary golden age, one still gasping out its death rattles to this day. Within this framework of transient prosperity and bold hope for the future, these thirteen stories are both charming and heartbreaking, imbued with a sense of impending loss.

These anecdotal stories probe deep into human nature and connection, exploring the foolishness of youth, the pain of ignorant belief systems, and the challenges of poverty. The rumors and offhand remarks of the various characters scattered in this hardy Pennsylvania town are dark harbingers of what’s to come. Some of the characters appear in multiple stories, and the puzzle pieces of this quintessentially American town slowly begin to fall into place.

Woven between these stories is the tale of two other men, Scottish soldiers from the 18^th century who walked the very same fields and valleys of Pennsylvania. Like the men and women who populate Furnass in the 1980s, these wanderers are seeking their own place in a changing world, striving for happiness, or at least survival. These brief interludes of Hugh and Duncan, the Scottish Highlanders, allow time for readers to breathe – functioning as occasional palate cleansers that also happen to be delectable. Some of the longer pieces also touch on the rich history of the Scots in the area, broadswords and all, subtly linking the stories together.

Given that industrial towns like Furnass are scattered across America, each with their own proud or tragic history, this collection holds a broad appeal. In fact, certain elements seem quite timely, or timeless, such as the complexity of race relations and gentrification, the pain of unrequited love, and the need for personal evolution. The landscape of the region is as much a character as any townsperson, and Snodgrass writes with a visceral passion born from true adoration for the Northeast. The colloquial nature of the characters’ speech and the minute details Snodgrass includes makes this an immersive and engaging portrait. Fictionalized as they may be, the lives of the characters are relatable and inspiring.

The technical elements of the book are strong, with only a few moments that feel sluggish or poorly penned. Every story has its own energy, and despite centering on the same small town, there are thousands more tales that could have been told. Snodgrass has a keenly compassionate eye for human nature and an excellent ear for sincere speech. The narration is also clever and dense, painting a vivid picture for those readers eager to get lost in the past.

Exposing universal themes through an intensely intimate portrait of America, Holding On is a powerful achievement from a truly standout author.