
Title: Swing State
Author: Michael T. Fournier
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Number of Pages: 240
Synopsis: Swing State unveils the generally overlooked decades-long economic downturn in the rural Northeast. With an unflinching eye, novelist Michael T. Founier lays bare the dim dreams and raw existence of the lives of three residents of Armbrister, New Hampshire, who share the same goal: Get out. Faced with grim prospects, the intersection of bullying and terrorism blurs, with disastrous consequences in this deftly woven tale.
Swing State is a thought-provoking and edgy novel with colorful characters readers can't help but enjoy.
Readers are given an in depth look into the mundane lives for three individuals who wish for nothing more than the chance to escape their current situations. The author takes a unique approach in revealing his characters and his writing style sets the tone for their desperate situations. The first person we meet is Roy. The author uses short punchy sentences to relay Roy's view on life and it effectively portrays him as a hostile and bitter army war veteran. Next we are introduced to Zachariah. He suffers abuse at the hands of his father and it has clearly taken a toll. He is depressed and envisions impending death all around. His narration is very passive. Finally we meet Dixon Dove a high school bully who enjoys making everyone around her miserable. She communicates her story by way of a recording. Each of the is unique yet essential to making this story a stimulating read. Will any of them find what they're seeking?
Swing State is well worth the read. Available October 20, 2014 on Amazon.