"Kelland"--truth above all

[AmosL]

Bens Jr., Paul G. “Kelland: A Novel”, Casperian Books, 2009.

Truth Above All

Amos Lassen

I spent a good bit of Memorial Day weekend with Paul Bens’s new book, “Kelland” and frankly I did not miss being at any of the outdoor activities. Bens is a writer that held me captive from the moment I opened the book. I also did not read what was printed on the cover because I wanted to be purely objective. I found myself experiencing the gamut of emotions as I read and a I grew to love Kelland, the character, I grew to love Kelland the book.
Our central character is Kelland who appears to different people in the guise of a small boy or as a lover or as a priest. What he has is truth and this is what he offers. He is a mystery and a presence that is impossible to describe but there is something endearing about him that grabs the reader and will not let go.
Kelland visits a family that was evacuated from Saigon during the last days of the war; with a Catholic child who has visions that are both profane and sacred and finally with a couple that is falling apart because of a tragedy. He brings each of them what they need so that they continue on.
To say anymore would ruin a terrific read. It is enough to say that this is a beauty of a book that will keep you engrossed. The book is a mixture of current events, mystery and horror and as four individuals who are completely different meet Kelland, their lives reach a turning point. Who and what is Kelland? They and we must decide for ourselves. His impression and presence on lives is fast and fleeting but it makes a tremendous difference.
Bens gives us wonderful characters who he has carefully constructed but really won me over here is the beauty of the prose and the character of the enigmatic Kelland. Here is a book that you must read. It will keep you thinking for a very long time---and that’s a good thing.
(“Kelland” will be available to readers on September 1, 2009.)