That Distant Land: Collected Short Stories

Kevin Moss | May 2013 - Highfields Book of The Month

By Wendell Berry - (2005) Shoemaker & Hoard, Div of Avalon Publishing Group Inc

This is not a Christian book.  It’s a collection of short stories (ie. fiction) written by Wendell Berry, who is a Christian.

I have, for some time, wondered what it is about these writings which makes them so precious. I am not sure I am any closer to the answer, even now. They are about characters and families living in a fictional Kentuckian town (Fort William), whereas I live in the UK and have never known the kind of culture that he describes. The tales are not full of action, nor are they overtly about big topics that challenge – they are about the little things and interactions of life. Each short story provides a kind of brief, historical vignette of a society which no longer exists, and by definition would be foreign territory to most readers.

However, with this latest compilation, I think I am getting a slightly clearer understanding of what makes Berry's writing so unique and special in this modern age. He was recommended originally to me by Jerram Barrs, author of ‘Heart of Prayer’ (perhaps the best book on prayer that I’ve ever encountered). Whilst Barrs is writing practical theology, there is a similar quality about the writing style - a distinct voice, an economy of language, the careful, considered choice of words. As you read Berry's stories, you do, as it were, fall into step with the man's breathing, you find yourself savouring each sentence in turn, almost not wanting to let it go.

Since each story presents a separate, successive window into times that are passing, Berry is adept at describing the continuum of human society. The early stories refer to characters who have not yet been born, whilst later on we encounter the same characters getting married, having children - before later still passing away into the collective memory of the community. The author's gentle, reflective style of writing presents the idea that, in God's eternal present, all the best of these passing ages is preserved, valued and celebrated.  There is as much ‘value’ in each passing moment, as there is when we look back, reflectively on our past.  Berry is inviting us to view all of it as one sanctified whole.

It might possibly be argued that Berry is too reverential, too idealising of the past - but I'm not sure that's a fair criticism. There are shabby characters in the stories, examples of human failures and inconsistencies - we are not being presented with some rosy-hued interpretation of reality. What Berry's writings do provide us with is a view of a world prior to the ravages of materialism and secularism, a world of steady pace where people were more at ease with their place in the scheme of things.

Each short story is an absolute gem. I would particularly recommend 'Fidelity' which has a great deal to say to our somewhat desperate, health-obsessed secular culture.  If you want to take a break to read some fiction which will really refresh your soul, you couldn’t do much better than this!