…In the range land, as you all probably know, there is a certain contemptuous reproach in the term. Springing from the habit of using the wire from broken bales of hay to patch harness and machinery in a makeshift kind of mending, “hay-wire” grew to mean a poverty born of shiftlessness. To go hay-wire meant to go to the dogs generally; to be broke, or its equivalent, and through laziness and mismanagement.
Lynn reaches the pitch of resentment when he discovers that an apparently penniless old prospector, who’s been taking gifts and favors from the Haywards for years, is actually concealing a fortune in his cabin. When the old man is murdered, Lynn, the only one who knows where the money was hidden, reasons out that it’s as much his as it is anyone else’s…but must keep it hidden, since suspicion of the murder is already hovering over him. As he begins to work and plan for the future, spurred on by the thought of his secret fortune, he gradually becomes aware that his own previous outlook and attitude were more a part of his “hay-wire” troubles than he knew. (And in addition, the real murderer still wants that money…)
Bower’s portrayal of Lynn’s struggles and gradual maturation, and of the tension and discord in his family, is convincing and compelling. There’s a love interest that plays a supporting part, but probably the most developed female character is his loyal younger sister Rose, who tries her best to mitigate household conflicts. I’m not quite sure what’s up with the “thought tracks” philosophy in the last couple of chapters, but the general idea could perhaps be better summed up with, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” You might call that the theme of the book.
pattinase (abbott) says
Thanks so much much for bringing us to this book. Any time you have another, please let me know.
Yvette says
Sounds good, Elisabeth. I enjoyed reading your review. I haven't read a western in ages.
I'll the title to my TBR list. I've lately taken to ordering old books online and have come up with several winners. 🙂
Elisabeth Grace Foley says
Thanks, Patti. I don't always do a book review every week, but when I do, I'd like to participate.
Yvette, I've been buying a lot of old books lately too – I could go broke this way! A lot of the books I enjoy are the hardest to find, plus vintage hardcovers are fun to read. I'm making a point of trying to review all the obscure books I like, even if it's only a few lines on Goodreads, so more people can discover them!
jtwebster books says
It's interesting reading what 'hay-wire' meant back then. Over here in New Zealand in the present day, 'hay-wire' means that something is chaotic or messed up, or someone is over reacting in a bad way.
I must read another of B. M. Bower's books, I so enjoyed the last one I read.
Great review!
Elisabeth Grace Foley says
Yes, I always knew "hay-wire" as meaning gone crazy or out of control. I looked it up on Dictionary.com and they had the old and new definitions – it's interesting to see how one sort of led into the other, as another version that sort of bridges the gap between them is "disordered."
I've been on a bit of a Bower streak lately myself – I've read four or five of her books in the last couple of months and have a few more saved up, both ebooks and some old hardcovers I bought.
Ron Scheer says
Excellent review of one of my favorite early western authors. I've read CHIP OF THE FLYING U, which I really enjoyed and have wanted to read more of her Flying U novels…I grew up on a farm with "baling wire" used as an all-purpose quick repair. I suppose it's been replaced in recent years by duct tape.
Elisabeth Grace Foley says
Thanks, Ron! I can definintely say now that Bower is my favorite Western author. Although Chip of the Flying U is one of my top favorites, I find I really like a lot of her later (harder-to-find) books. My younger sister has become a fan too – she read Chip in a day, and is now reading the other Flying U books.