Puckerbrush

By Bob McCrillis

Experience an extraordinary journey through time with Puckerbrush, a collection of ten poignant and thought-provoking stories inspired by the compelling saga of Paddy Meecham.

Meecham, a rural Maine boy growing up in the '60s, embodies the traditional values of independence, honor, and love for his country.

Immerse yourself in his early years, as he navigates the adventures and rites of passage familiar to generations past, bound by pride to a family history steeped in valiant service during World War II and Korea. Yet, Paddy's coming of age also carries him into the heart of the Vietnam War, an honorable man who returns home only to face the unfathomable scorn of those who label him a killer and outcast.

This stark divide symbolizes the dramatic shift in societal values during this turbulent time, ushering in a palpable darkness that trails Paddy's tale.

The seismic changes of the '60s — the civil rights movement, women's liberation, radical shifts in sexual attitudes, and intense protests — largely pass Paddy by in the isolated enclave of rural Maine.

Here, in the 'puckerbrush,' a word depicting the dense, tangled undergrowth sprouting in forgotten farm fields and fire scars, the world seems far removed from the clamor of evolving societal norms.

Yet, even here, glimpses of the wider world seep in through the music on the radio and the flickering images on the television screen. Compelled by curiosity, Paddy chooses the accepted route out, enlisting in the service.

However, before he can do so, he must face the trials and tribulations of high school, revealing his aversion to hunting, a terrifying brush with the merciless sea, and even an encounter with the supernatural.

Puckerbrush's captivating stories promise to resonate with readers interested in vivid life narratives, short stories, and coming-of-age tales. Explore the tumultuous sixties through the eyes of an individual ensnared in the dramatic transformation of his society.