"Ways of Man" is an irreverent political allegory of a divisive nation. Two neighboring towns are divided by a river where civilized man and the law of the jungle meet. Squatters, led by generations of the lawless Witey family, slowly consume the land west of the river. Conditioning, lack of education and machismo envelop Erskine Witey III who rules the growing population of ne'er do wells with an iron fist. Wendall Puxley, the savvy leader of the established town east of the river, waits patiently to reclaim the land from the Witeys. This comedic drama follows Witey III, his family and devotees as key events lead them to gradually evolve.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Ways of Man is a striking commentary about political control and media manipulation of the truth. Sometimes the text jumps forward in ways that can be jarring, and the cruelty of certain scenes can be challenging to read, but overall the book successfully describes how reconciliation between different groups can be possible, given enough time.
Prose: Kiefer's prose is a mixed bag. Strong moments of writing include the numerous funny descriptive passages throughout the novel, as well as sections of character interiority. The dialogue, structured in long paragraphs, and often in very punctuated dialect, can be confusing at times.
Originality: Kiefer's slapstick sense of humor is novel, but the book follows a fairly traditional plot arc in general, including star-crossed lovers and enemies becoming friends.
Character Development/Execution: Much of the cast of Ways of Man appear as goofy caricatures for satirical purposes, as opposed to well-rounded people. Kiefer's characters are the most successful in the moments when they're given more elaborate inner lives and feelings, like when Shirley appreciates Theo's gift or when Mikey has a revelation about what he wants.
Date Submitted: May 30, 2022
