Description
In American Still Life, Jim Naremore masterfully explores the emotional turmoil of Skade Felsdottir, a photographer burdened by a dark past and an even darker present. Skade is on a mission to complete a photo essay book about descansos—roadside memorials commemorating loved ones lost to highway tragedies. Her work brings her back to her hometown of Carleton, a place she fled from years ago, haunted by painful memories that have driven her into the clutches of addiction and self-loathing.
Skade’s return to Carleton forces her to confront not just the literal ghosts of the past but the figurative ones as well. Her creative process is hindered by her inner demons, with every step forward in her work matched by a descent into alcohol and drug abuse. Skade’s struggle to keep her life together is palpable as she grapples with a project that feels more personal and fraught with meaning than she ever intended.
Central to the novel is Skade’s complex relationship with Kit, a shy and ungainly construction worker who becomes an unexpected ally. Kit, a self-taught puppeteer, is instrumental in helping Skade gain access to the construction site where the totems she needs to photograph are located. Their relationship evolves from one of convenience to a deeper connection as both women find in each other a mirror for their own loneliness and grief. Kit, who has lost her entire family and is particularly scarred by her sister’s death, becomes a source of stability for Skade, even as Skade’s self-destructive tendencies threaten to unravel everything.
Naremore’s writing is able to capture the oppressive atmosphere of Carleton and the suffocating weight of Skade’s past. The narrative is peppered with small but significant details that give depth to the world Skade inhabits—details that sometimes feel overwhelming, but contribute to the novel’s sense of place and mood. Skade’s encounters with her ex-boyfriend Lane, who is eager to rekindle a toxic relationship, add another layer of tension to the story, pushing her closer to the edge as she struggles to complete her book.
American Still Life is an exploration of trauma, addiction, and the arduous journey toward healing. While Skade is a challenging protagonist—often unlikable in her reckless behavior—Naremore skillfully makes her plight relatable, particularly for readers who have known someone struggling with similar issues. The novel builds to a climactic ending, where the threads of Skade’s past and present come together in a way that is both surprising and inevitable. American Still Life is a compelling and emotionally resonant read.
