R. A. Comunale

"Requiem for the Bone Man" is worth reading just for the last chapter. Although Comunale's first novel has weaknesses, the last chapter culminating in the protagonist's ultimate fate exhibits the author's ability to create a moving story that touches the reader.

"Requiem for the Bone Man" is the fictional biography of Robert Galen, from his roots in nineteenth century Italy through his career as a successful physician. The author advances the story primarily through the dialogue and narrative of Galen's friends, colleagues, relatives, lovers and more.

Comunale lays the framework of the story well, but is stingy with detail and character development. He attempts a Michener-like saga in 241 pages. By page 80, we have met at least 11 characters, most of whom have at least one nickname, in addition to their relatives. The tale is so abbreviated as to feel like the condensed version of the novel. Comunale wades in but doesn't enter deep water.

For example, giving the reader the immigrant background of the protagonist, Robert Galen, adds foundation and interest to the tale, but the detail and development is so scanty that the story feels cursory and rushed. Adding depth to the events and players in Galen's background and upbringing would increase understanding of Galen's behavior resulting in greater involvement of the reader with more satisfaction in the story.

The "Bone Doctor" is disjointed. The fragmented multiple story lines narration lacking transition are disorienting and confusing. Pronouns frequently lack antecedents, leaving the reader guessing.

Some of these problems could have been avoided by better editing. For example, on page 143 Nancy, thinking about retirement with her husband Bob, says: "A woman never really quits work-she just stops getting paid for it!" The next paragraph begins: "The grimness of Friday's death watches gave way to a Saturday lit with sunshine. Galen took advantage of the lovely morning , . . ." The reader is given a totally new subject, character, time and setting with absolutely no separation or transition.

"Bone Man" is heavy with a prominent theme of sadness and tragedy. About mid-book, the reader becomes inured to the repeating cycle of newly found happiness and hopeful expectations only to be dashed by death, rejection or other form of loss. We all begin to die at birth, so, don't be surprised when it happens: "We are born in a scream of life, not realizing that birth is the overture of death." (Page 131). Late middle age is described as a niche of "resignation and loss," when "the genetic scythe starts thinning the human wheat field."

For those who enjoy the theme of tragic loss, "Requiem for the Bone Man" is just the ticket. Guess the title should have been a clue.

Note: I do appreciate the high quality paper used by Mountain Lake Press for this edition.… (mehr)