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A Persistent Echo
"Kaufman is a fantastic writer with a distinctive poetic touch... It will be the rare reader who will not be moved by this soulful, poignant novel." –Kirkus Reviews
"It's a powerfully rendered novel that holds the rare ability to traverse genres to attract a wider audience of reader than the 'historical fiction' label portends." –Midwest Book Review
1897.
August Simms-explorer, soldier, world traveler-returns to Rhome, Texas to chase one last adventure.
Hundreds of UFO sightings have been reported, seven years before the Wright brother's initial flight, and August intends to solve the airship mystery.
Instead, the past comes calling. A murder, a lynching, and the death of his wife fifteen years earlier are inextricably tied to the present, and the adventure August finds will not be the one he expects.
"It's a powerfully rendered novel that holds the rare ability to traverse genres to attract a wider audience of reader than the 'historical fiction' label portends." –Midwest Book Review
1897.
August Simms-explorer, soldier, world traveler-returns to Rhome, Texas to chase one last adventure.
Hundreds of UFO sightings have been reported, seven years before the Wright brother's initial flight, and August intends to solve the airship mystery.
Instead, the past comes calling. A murder, a lynching, and the death of his wife fifteen years earlier are inextricably tied to the present, and the adventure August finds will not be the one he expects.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2023
55 people are currently reading
2462 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 19, 2023
I pre-ordered and got the book early. Finished it in one day, which is rare for me and my hectic life.
This book is poetic with a hint of melancholy. I've read all of Mr. Kaufman's books and this is my favorite of his. So far.
This novel borders on historical fiction, given all the real-life facts anchoring the fiction.
A must read for everyone for so many reasons I'm not going to bother leaving a grocery list.
You do yourself a disservice if this isn't the next novel you read.
This book is poetic with a hint of melancholy. I've read all of Mr. Kaufman's books and this is my favorite of his. So far.
This novel borders on historical fiction, given all the real-life facts anchoring the fiction.
A must read for everyone for so many reasons I'm not going to bother leaving a grocery list.
You do yourself a disservice if this isn't the next novel you read.
August 13, 2023
In A PERSISTENT ECHO, by Brian Kaufman, the reader meets August Simms as he arrives by train in Rhome, Texas. The year is 1897, and sightings of flying machines have been reported in California, the Midwest and, only days ago, in Rhome. Having secured a driver and a room in a boarding house, he will speak personally to those who claim to have seen the mysterious machines.
August Simms, first a college professor, then, in the Union Army, a commander of troops of color (taking meals with his men rather than other officers), has long worked in the field of archaeology and has traveled widely. Obviously well-read, each morning he buys and shares three different newspapers with the “morning-coffee regulars” at Rhome’s general store, although he expresses distrust of the popular press. While uncommonly courteous, he does not bow to self-styled arbiters of what is right and what is true when in his investigation he interacts with purveyors of power—a doctor, a lawyer, a judge, a minister—and the owner of two flour mills, an overseer.
His life has been full, but he feels the absence of his dear wife who died many years ago in the very room in which he is staying. And now he is ill. He observes, “I can’t change the past and I’m running out of future.”
August Simms is looking for one last adventure. Or a miracle.
Author Brian Kaufman, in A PERSISTENT ECHO, has given us a protagonist of rare quality. I find August Simms—with his old-fashioned courtesy, sometimes startling honesty, and a hint of mystery—equal in appeal to Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd in Paulette Jiles’ NEWS OF THE WORLD, a book which ranks in my topmost few of historical novels.
Kaufman addresses the full range of senses and creates that “something more” which comes of superb skill with language. Note his descriptions of the play of light and fragrances of nightfall when the boarding house’s owner comes from the porch holding a lantern. “The light casts a sepia glow across the yard, adding to the flickering of torches.” And, “The night air carries a parade of spring rain smells—damp saw grass, dandelions, and black gumbo clay soil.”
The flickering of torches? Yes. The small town of Rhome, Texas, is host to all the multi-layered issues of the world at large: gender bias, misunderstood human sexuality, racial inequality and disregard for workers’ rights. In a potentially deadly confrontation, August must employ mediation skills honed in the military to restore order in the community.
Yet, ever there is beauty. “Across the field, a doe stands on long, spindly legs—still as a statue in the rain... A motte of trees stands like a dark sentinel watching over the horizon.”
A PERSISTENT ECHO is a book of substance, relevant to current issues, and a story to savor.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. My review is voluntary and honest.
August Simms, first a college professor, then, in the Union Army, a commander of troops of color (taking meals with his men rather than other officers), has long worked in the field of archaeology and has traveled widely. Obviously well-read, each morning he buys and shares three different newspapers with the “morning-coffee regulars” at Rhome’s general store, although he expresses distrust of the popular press. While uncommonly courteous, he does not bow to self-styled arbiters of what is right and what is true when in his investigation he interacts with purveyors of power—a doctor, a lawyer, a judge, a minister—and the owner of two flour mills, an overseer.
His life has been full, but he feels the absence of his dear wife who died many years ago in the very room in which he is staying. And now he is ill. He observes, “I can’t change the past and I’m running out of future.”
August Simms is looking for one last adventure. Or a miracle.
Author Brian Kaufman, in A PERSISTENT ECHO, has given us a protagonist of rare quality. I find August Simms—with his old-fashioned courtesy, sometimes startling honesty, and a hint of mystery—equal in appeal to Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd in Paulette Jiles’ NEWS OF THE WORLD, a book which ranks in my topmost few of historical novels.
Kaufman addresses the full range of senses and creates that “something more” which comes of superb skill with language. Note his descriptions of the play of light and fragrances of nightfall when the boarding house’s owner comes from the porch holding a lantern. “The light casts a sepia glow across the yard, adding to the flickering of torches.” And, “The night air carries a parade of spring rain smells—damp saw grass, dandelions, and black gumbo clay soil.”
The flickering of torches? Yes. The small town of Rhome, Texas, is host to all the multi-layered issues of the world at large: gender bias, misunderstood human sexuality, racial inequality and disregard for workers’ rights. In a potentially deadly confrontation, August must employ mediation skills honed in the military to restore order in the community.
Yet, ever there is beauty. “Across the field, a doe stands on long, spindly legs—still as a statue in the rain... A motte of trees stands like a dark sentinel watching over the horizon.”
A PERSISTENT ECHO is a book of substance, relevant to current issues, and a story to savor.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. My review is voluntary and honest.
August 27, 2023
So Good!
I don't think I can do justice to this book in a review. Although set in 1897, this story mirrors many of our most pressing social issues today, with a cast of unique and heartwarming characters. If you are familiar with the UFO account in Aurora, Texas in 1897, you'll enjoy the threads of it throughout the plot but this book is about so much more than that. As August Simms faces the end of his life, he considers the journey, its merits, and questions if he did enough that mattered. As his friend Ackerman told him; "Some fights are eternal. Men are not. You did your part, and you're allowed to pass the torch." He chose the perfect finale for his last chapter and passed the torch. I adore this book and would give it 10 stars if I could.
I don't think I can do justice to this book in a review. Although set in 1897, this story mirrors many of our most pressing social issues today, with a cast of unique and heartwarming characters. If you are familiar with the UFO account in Aurora, Texas in 1897, you'll enjoy the threads of it throughout the plot but this book is about so much more than that. As August Simms faces the end of his life, he considers the journey, its merits, and questions if he did enough that mattered. As his friend Ackerman told him; "Some fights are eternal. Men are not. You did your part, and you're allowed to pass the torch." He chose the perfect finale for his last chapter and passed the torch. I adore this book and would give it 10 stars if I could.
June 29, 2023
"Nerdection Must Read"
A Persistent Echo is an amazingly exciting historical novel that keeps the reader intrigued till the very last page. If you are a lover of historic novels, then you’ve got the right book. Kaufman does a notable job of fleshing out his characters, especially the protagonist, August Simms, whose internal suffering is vividly portrayed and sincerely moving. Kaufman skillfully conjures the wilds of Texas whilst explaining his characters’ backstories, all against the backdrop of the city’s virulent anti-Black bigotry.
The book, “A Persistent Echo” is sophisticated and moving. Thanks to Kaufman’s vivid descriptions, the surroundings and era become vividly real. The author’s careful description of everything keeps readers engrossed and immersed in the story.
To sum up, “A Persistent Echo” is a superbly written and notion-upsetting story that transports readers to a place and time. The fascinating plot, exciting characters, and deep issues are all the result of Brian Kaufman’s careful craftsmanship. Readers who enjoy novels set in the past and who’re interested in memories that delve deep into character motivations will enjoy this. When it comes to the UFO sightings, Kaufman likewise expertly spins a web of conspiracy. A gripping story with a mysterious principal plot and a heartfelt portrayal of pain and redemption.
Overall, I rate this book a 5/5. Grab a copy! Enjoy it!
A Persistent Echo is an amazingly exciting historical novel that keeps the reader intrigued till the very last page. If you are a lover of historic novels, then you’ve got the right book. Kaufman does a notable job of fleshing out his characters, especially the protagonist, August Simms, whose internal suffering is vividly portrayed and sincerely moving. Kaufman skillfully conjures the wilds of Texas whilst explaining his characters’ backstories, all against the backdrop of the city’s virulent anti-Black bigotry.
The book, “A Persistent Echo” is sophisticated and moving. Thanks to Kaufman’s vivid descriptions, the surroundings and era become vividly real. The author’s careful description of everything keeps readers engrossed and immersed in the story.
To sum up, “A Persistent Echo” is a superbly written and notion-upsetting story that transports readers to a place and time. The fascinating plot, exciting characters, and deep issues are all the result of Brian Kaufman’s careful craftsmanship. Readers who enjoy novels set in the past and who’re interested in memories that delve deep into character motivations will enjoy this. When it comes to the UFO sightings, Kaufman likewise expertly spins a web of conspiracy. A gripping story with a mysterious principal plot and a heartfelt portrayal of pain and redemption.
Overall, I rate this book a 5/5. Grab a copy! Enjoy it!
November 16, 2023
When I first started reading Brian Kaufman’s “A Persitent Echo” I expected it to be along the lines of a science fiction or fantasy tale—especially considering that the protagonist, aging civil war vet, researcher, and world traveller/adventure August Simms had returned to Texas to investigate the rumors of the flying machines that had been reported in that area. Instead, this is a novel that explores the human spirit—kindness, forgiveness, prejudice, and matters of life and death. The writing is absolutely lovely, and I plan to return to the book again. I feel that I may have raced through it. Next time I intend to savor every word. A strong five stars. Thank you Net Galley for the advanced readers copy. My opinion is my own.
September 14, 2023
One of the most richly detailed, character-driven, and flat-out unforgettable novels I've read in years. "A Persistent Echo" will leave a lasting imprint on your memory. Kaufman's prose is imbued with a glowing perspective of human nature that's akin to a beautiful sunset casting its fading light onto an ever-darkening terrain. This is a book to treasure.
January 5, 2024
Excellent - reviewed on amazon.com
September 6, 2023
A Persistent Echo, by author Brian Kaufman, is one of those rare books that immediately grabbed my attention in the first few pages, and held it throughout. Filled with examples of how small, random acts of kindness can have a larger impact on the world around us, it was a refreshing story to read, especially given the negativity prevalent in today’s headlines.
Set in 1897, several years before the Wright Brother’s first flight, a small Texas town is abuzz with reports of sightings of a mysterious airship.
As one reads on, the suspense continues to build. An older, well-seasoned explorer, August Simms, hears the news and returns from afar to Rhome, Texas, a town he once knew, searching for answers. In what may be his final quest, to unravel the UFO mystery, he must also confront his own painful history and mortality, and at the same time, shed light on past acts of injustice while preventing future ones from occurring.
The twisting, turning plot involves an out-of-this-world mystery, while staying solidly grounded through the author’s use of well-researched historical facts, believable characters and authentic geography. Only after reading the novel, did I learn that an actual UFO crash was reported to have happened in the same area in 1897.
With his unique, almost poetic narrative style, the author deftly sweeps the reader on a journey across a vast, richly-detailed landscape and right into the heart of a Texas-sized mystery. While the unidentified airship plays a part in this story, its role is peripheral to the unfolding human drama.
Kaufman is able to reach across centuries and breathe life into his characters. He has packed far more rich detail and imagery into this story than one could ever expect to find in 225 pages. With gentle humor and wit, the novel touches on many issues that are still relevant today, as we see the “persistent echo” of history imperfectly repeating itself.
While the text explores themes such as bigotry, racism and inequality, through a historical lens, there’s only a small amount of “chromatic aberration” between what the protagonist sees back then, compared to the human landscape we view today.
Brian Kaufman is an excellent storyteller, and his crisp, evocative writing style and thematic elements reminded me of the prose of Larry McMurtry, Amor Towles and John Steinbeck.
One can only hope that someday we’ll see Persistent Echo adapted to the big screen. I can easily picture the opening scene, with an older Tom Hanks stepping slowly down from the steps of a steam train, onto the dusty streets of Rhome, Texas. I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Persistent Echo and highly recommend it to all readers.
Troy Hollan, author of Clucked - A Quirky Nautical Tale of Adventure, Misadventure and Justice Served
Set in 1897, several years before the Wright Brother’s first flight, a small Texas town is abuzz with reports of sightings of a mysterious airship.
As one reads on, the suspense continues to build. An older, well-seasoned explorer, August Simms, hears the news and returns from afar to Rhome, Texas, a town he once knew, searching for answers. In what may be his final quest, to unravel the UFO mystery, he must also confront his own painful history and mortality, and at the same time, shed light on past acts of injustice while preventing future ones from occurring.
The twisting, turning plot involves an out-of-this-world mystery, while staying solidly grounded through the author’s use of well-researched historical facts, believable characters and authentic geography. Only after reading the novel, did I learn that an actual UFO crash was reported to have happened in the same area in 1897.
With his unique, almost poetic narrative style, the author deftly sweeps the reader on a journey across a vast, richly-detailed landscape and right into the heart of a Texas-sized mystery. While the unidentified airship plays a part in this story, its role is peripheral to the unfolding human drama.
Kaufman is able to reach across centuries and breathe life into his characters. He has packed far more rich detail and imagery into this story than one could ever expect to find in 225 pages. With gentle humor and wit, the novel touches on many issues that are still relevant today, as we see the “persistent echo” of history imperfectly repeating itself.
While the text explores themes such as bigotry, racism and inequality, through a historical lens, there’s only a small amount of “chromatic aberration” between what the protagonist sees back then, compared to the human landscape we view today.
Brian Kaufman is an excellent storyteller, and his crisp, evocative writing style and thematic elements reminded me of the prose of Larry McMurtry, Amor Towles and John Steinbeck.
One can only hope that someday we’ll see Persistent Echo adapted to the big screen. I can easily picture the opening scene, with an older Tom Hanks stepping slowly down from the steps of a steam train, onto the dusty streets of Rhome, Texas. I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Persistent Echo and highly recommend it to all readers.
Troy Hollan, author of Clucked - A Quirky Nautical Tale of Adventure, Misadventure and Justice Served
November 5, 2023
An aging Civil War veteran takes on one last battle
An elderly man who suffers chronic pain, August Simms arrives in the dusty crossroads town of Rhome, Texas, with several missions. He tells people he has come to witness the “airships”—UFOs that have been reported in the area—but he also wants to relive his last days with his wife, who died here 15 years ago, and to mend somehow the open wounds suffered by people he let down on his previous visit.
Other challenges soon arise for Simms, who has a private investigator’s knack for learning people’s secrets and a true Christian’s sensibility for justice. While it has been more than 30 years since he commanded Union soldiers in the Civil War, Simms must call on his strategic and tactical skills to protect people he comes to care about when local culture-war vigilantes target them.
Brian Kaufman took a big risk by making his protagonist elderly and frail. But many of us born in the Baby Boom are approaching Simms’ age or already as old as him, so we can empathize with his struggles to shepherd his energy and resources. And I think readers of any age can identify with a hero who is reckoning with what’s most important as his life draws to a close.
With the airships phenomenon, the racial and other prejudices of the era, Simms’ arguments with Rhome locals about the impending war in Cuba, and the rough frontier lifestyle, A Persistent Echo delivers satisfying historical fiction. But more significantly, it transports readers into Simms’ world with viscerally engaging scenes like this: “Returning to the porch, he moves to the far side, around and to the left, nesting in one of the old wooden chairs. This is where he and his wife used to sit. The moon is nearly full, but the clouds have moved overhead, hiding the light. A gentle rain has begun to fall. The earthy scent of rainwater on dry soil makes him nearly weak with memories.”
An elderly man who suffers chronic pain, August Simms arrives in the dusty crossroads town of Rhome, Texas, with several missions. He tells people he has come to witness the “airships”—UFOs that have been reported in the area—but he also wants to relive his last days with his wife, who died here 15 years ago, and to mend somehow the open wounds suffered by people he let down on his previous visit.
Other challenges soon arise for Simms, who has a private investigator’s knack for learning people’s secrets and a true Christian’s sensibility for justice. While it has been more than 30 years since he commanded Union soldiers in the Civil War, Simms must call on his strategic and tactical skills to protect people he comes to care about when local culture-war vigilantes target them.
Brian Kaufman took a big risk by making his protagonist elderly and frail. But many of us born in the Baby Boom are approaching Simms’ age or already as old as him, so we can empathize with his struggles to shepherd his energy and resources. And I think readers of any age can identify with a hero who is reckoning with what’s most important as his life draws to a close.
With the airships phenomenon, the racial and other prejudices of the era, Simms’ arguments with Rhome locals about the impending war in Cuba, and the rough frontier lifestyle, A Persistent Echo delivers satisfying historical fiction. But more significantly, it transports readers into Simms’ world with viscerally engaging scenes like this: “Returning to the porch, he moves to the far side, around and to the left, nesting in one of the old wooden chairs. This is where he and his wife used to sit. The moon is nearly full, but the clouds have moved overhead, hiding the light. A gentle rain has begun to fall. The earthy scent of rainwater on dry soil makes him nearly weak with memories.”
September 23, 2023
This was my first book by Mr. Kaufman. It will definitely NOT be my last!
Since I’m just sixty days away from my 81st birthday, I readily identified with the protagonist - “August”. It was, at first, difficult to relate to his return to a Texas backcountry, barely developed, town not long after what we call the Civil War and the privations of life at that time and place - but I got into to it and I traveled along with August during his visit there.
Other characters - the owner of the boarding house where he stayed, her daughter, the guy who drove him around on his horse-drawn wagon - - even the horse! - - and several other characters were all well-developed and relatable - likeable mostly - and the “bad guys” were equally detestable.
Kaufman slowly weaves several stories together to explain why Rhome, TX and its people are the way they are and, in the end, one understands exactly why August has returned and can confidently predict the ending - if not the details thereof. (I’ll avoid any spoilers here.)
I cry when my dogs die - and will again sometime in the next 1-2 years - and sometimes at the end of a well-done movie. Once a while, pure music will do that to me - such as hearing Renee Fleming sing a particular aria from La Rondine - or a solo performance of “Ave Maria” in the nave of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres. But I can’t recall crying over a book. This one didn’t bring forth a torrent of tears either - but my eyes got “really wet” during the last chapter and I had a little difficulty reading my Kindle.
Since I’m just sixty days away from my 81st birthday, I readily identified with the protagonist - “August”. It was, at first, difficult to relate to his return to a Texas backcountry, barely developed, town not long after what we call the Civil War and the privations of life at that time and place - but I got into to it and I traveled along with August during his visit there.
Other characters - the owner of the boarding house where he stayed, her daughter, the guy who drove him around on his horse-drawn wagon - - even the horse! - - and several other characters were all well-developed and relatable - likeable mostly - and the “bad guys” were equally detestable.
Kaufman slowly weaves several stories together to explain why Rhome, TX and its people are the way they are and, in the end, one understands exactly why August has returned and can confidently predict the ending - if not the details thereof. (I’ll avoid any spoilers here.)
I cry when my dogs die - and will again sometime in the next 1-2 years - and sometimes at the end of a well-done movie. Once a while, pure music will do that to me - such as hearing Renee Fleming sing a particular aria from La Rondine - or a solo performance of “Ave Maria” in the nave of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres. But I can’t recall crying over a book. This one didn’t bring forth a torrent of tears either - but my eyes got “really wet” during the last chapter and I had a little difficulty reading my Kindle.
July 26, 2024
Expecting to experience the final bookend of his long life, the wise and worldly August Simms heads to Rhome, Texas after becoming curious about a mysterious “flying machine” that he read about in the newspaper. It’s also a reason to re-visit the scene of a past sorrow in the same town where he now hopes to encounter some sort of revelatory “miracle.”
He gets more than he bargained for.
Kaufman’s novels always cover a lot of ground in the least number of pages. His clean and often elegant prose style is as much a character in his fiction as the flesh and blood people whom he authentically portrays. This calmly told tale about love, loss and redemptive memory could have become claustrophobic in the hands of a lesser writer. Instead, the author provides a re-assuring and believable morality play in which an old man comes face-to-face with his unresolved past.
Enhanced by its sparse, atmospheric detail (“A motte of oaks in the distance breaks the dusty horizon”), and soaked with convincing dialogue that transports you into the American West of 1897, this is a book not to be put down — even after the last page has been read.
Five Texas stars for this one.
September 10, 2024
Picked this one up at my local library's new book display, and after nosing my way through the first three or four pages, decided it seemed well worth proceeding.
I wasn't disappointed. Kaufman's prose is both precise and poetic, and his evocation of 1897 Texas is just about perfect. More notable still are his characters, who are perfectly wrought, with believably distinct voices and a strong presence. The broader story...of aging, illness, and the desire for one last fascinating experience in a life filled with experiences...was gently paced, and in Kaufman's hands, both authentic and moving.
That said, the exploration of contemporary Queer folx issues in the last quarter of the book felt, to this reader, a little extrinsic to the exploration of the protagonist's life, and a little inorganic to the story. The racial dynamics, sure, yes, those flowed and connected directly to the core tale and time period, but the layering of the one atop the other kinda got to feeling a wee bit de rigueur. Just a wee bit.
A lovely, reflective read, with some beautifully cast characters. A four point three.
I wasn't disappointed. Kaufman's prose is both precise and poetic, and his evocation of 1897 Texas is just about perfect. More notable still are his characters, who are perfectly wrought, with believably distinct voices and a strong presence. The broader story...of aging, illness, and the desire for one last fascinating experience in a life filled with experiences...was gently paced, and in Kaufman's hands, both authentic and moving.
That said, the exploration of contemporary Queer folx issues in the last quarter of the book felt, to this reader, a little extrinsic to the exploration of the protagonist's life, and a little inorganic to the story. The racial dynamics, sure, yes, those flowed and connected directly to the core tale and time period, but the layering of the one atop the other kinda got to feeling a wee bit de rigueur. Just a wee bit.
A lovely, reflective read, with some beautifully cast characters. A four point three.
September 15, 2023
Set against the backdrop of UFO sightings in Rhome, Texas, and its outskirts during the late 1800s, this book follows the journey of a curious man determined to unravel the mystery. However, as the narrative unfolds, the plot and mystery of the UFOs gradually take a back seat, giving way to a captivating exploration of the central character, August Simms, and the people he encounters (or re-encounters) in Rhome. This character-driven story ultimately becomes more intriguing. While the book maintains a deliberately slow pace, its exceptional writing transports readers into August Simms' life with such vividness that it feels as if you are peering into his world from above, observing a moment in his genuine existence.
One delightful surprise in the narrative is the exploration of LGBTQ themes, a rare occurrence in historical fiction. The book's heartwarming conclusion leaves readers with a profound sense of privilege as if they have been granted an intimate glimpse into the life of its remarkable protagonist. The book is a slow burn but I highly recommend!
One delightful surprise in the narrative is the exploration of LGBTQ themes, a rare occurrence in historical fiction. The book's heartwarming conclusion leaves readers with a profound sense of privilege as if they have been granted an intimate glimpse into the life of its remarkable protagonist. The book is a slow burn but I highly recommend!
October 21, 2024
A rash of airship sightings (think UFOs) in 1897 inspired this cleverly crafted tale of persistence. The echo of strife across the centuries infuses Kaufman’s war-weathered philosophical hero, August Simms. As we plod along with the loveable Bullet pulling the wagon for August and his sidekick Ackerman, we learn that an airship may be imagined, but trust in August to lead us to the right conclusion. Various humane and inhumane themes abound—the paralysis of prejudice and the many kinds of love—in this intricately woven story of an old man facing his death. The slow burn of two mysteries propels us onward. Are the airships real, and what has brought August back to this place of past pain? A poignant telling, ripe with vivid metaphors—“skin cracked like the bed of a dried creek”—and packed with quirky facts. Who knew 19th-century doctors prescribed tobacco smoke enemas? Kaufman gives you much to consider, and while you do, he surprises with twists and trials you never see coming. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2023
In this atmospheric ensemble piece, August Simms, wracked with cancer, is the star. In 1897 he boards a train with five treasured books to return to a boardinghouse in a small town in Texas where his wife died in 1882. His unspoken plan is to die there. Nadine Martin, the owner of the Inn, presses Simms for his remembrances about her father’s murder that occurred that summer, which resulted in an innocent black man being lynched. Simms would rather talk about the UFOs he read about in the paper. He says he returned to investigate the airships, looking for a miracle. Set in a fly-filled hot Texas summer, the story unfolds in a warm glow like the lazy noon sun that shines over Simms head. The colorful characters and quest to quiet guilt and come to terms with life and death are affecting.
I’ve read several books by Brian Kaufman. His writing keeps getting better. It’s a rare writer that can cover different genres with success. A Persistent Echo is a book to disappear in for a while.
I’ve read several books by Brian Kaufman. His writing keeps getting better. It’s a rare writer that can cover different genres with success. A Persistent Echo is a book to disappear in for a while.
September 6, 2023
Really, really good. So glad that I took the time to read A Persistent Echo.
August Simms returns to Rhome, Texas to talk with witnesses who have seen "aircrafts" around 1897 (before the Wright brothers flights at Kitty Hawk). It was interesting how comments to reporters were distorted when put into print. August revisits the boarding house he stayed at decades ago.
Not super long, approx 225 pages. Definitely worth the time to read. Portions reminded me of the Shootist, John Wayne’s final movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Black Rose Writing for approving my request to read the advance review copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Brian Kaufman for writing A Persistent Echo. One of the things I like best about NetGalley is that it introduces me to "new to me authors" and I plan to read additional novels by Brian Kaufman. Publication date August 24, 2023.
August Simms returns to Rhome, Texas to talk with witnesses who have seen "aircrafts" around 1897 (before the Wright brothers flights at Kitty Hawk). It was interesting how comments to reporters were distorted when put into print. August revisits the boarding house he stayed at decades ago.
Not super long, approx 225 pages. Definitely worth the time to read. Portions reminded me of the Shootist, John Wayne’s final movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Black Rose Writing for approving my request to read the advance review copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Brian Kaufman for writing A Persistent Echo. One of the things I like best about NetGalley is that it introduces me to "new to me authors" and I plan to read additional novels by Brian Kaufman. Publication date August 24, 2023.
January 8, 2024
Firm 4*. This author told a heartfelt, touching story about 'letting go'
This author has the gift to tell a really good story. I read this book slowly because I wanted to touch the characters, especially August. The tale was restorative for those who seek peace and good company. The acceptance, diversity, and empathy written into the story made it remarkably 'present'. The author is able to keep the story within the period, culture, and environment, which was mid 19C in OK. This was such an important Era for the US as it was healing and for the world facing monumental changes.
I would really like to see this produced into a movie & see who plays August. I have several seasoned actors in mind.
Thank you, Brian Kaufman, for writ8ng a story for everyone.
Thank you, Amazon staff for recommending this author.
This author has the gift to tell a really good story. I read this book slowly because I wanted to touch the characters, especially August. The tale was restorative for those who seek peace and good company. The acceptance, diversity, and empathy written into the story made it remarkably 'present'. The author is able to keep the story within the period, culture, and environment, which was mid 19C in OK. This was such an important Era for the US as it was healing and for the world facing monumental changes.
I would really like to see this produced into a movie & see who plays August. I have several seasoned actors in mind.
Thank you, Brian Kaufman, for writ8ng a story for everyone.
Thank you, Amazon staff for recommending this author.
July 4, 2025
“Understanding one’s past can be difficult. Confronting one’s past and finding justification for it might be impossible. That’s the dilemma and task facing August Simms as he travels back to Rhome, Texas, in 1897 in Brian Kaufman’s brilliant novel, A Persistent Echo. While it might be categorized as a work of historical fiction, it defies strict placement in one genre, as he deftly blends and blurs lines. Filled with wit and wisdom, his prose is poetic, yet sparse with only what is necessary to keep the reader turning pages. Simms faces his past and tries to reconcile what happened to him, to his wife, and to those who were affected by a murder and lynching that took place so long ago. If you read one book this year cover to cover, this book by Kaufman needs to be it. A passionate 5 Star recommendation!”
Joseph Lewis, Reviewer and award-winning Author of Black Yéʼii and Fan Mail.
Joseph Lewis, Reviewer and award-winning Author of Black Yéʼii and Fan Mail.
August 27, 2023
This is the fourth book I've read by Brian Kaufman. Every one is unique, well-written, and thought-provoking. Kaufman has the ability to write dialogue that rings so authentic that I feel as if I'm eavesdropping on an actual conversation in the other room. His characters rise from the pages as multi-dimensional beings and, specifically, in "A Persistent Echo," each of the plot lines draws readers in and has them cheering for our elderly hero.
At first glance, the themes presented in this story seem immersed in its historical setting of 1897 Rhome, Texas. However, as the title implies, those themes are as relevant today as they were 100+ years ago. That's why this book is a must-read for anyone who cares about how humanity changes - and doesn't - over time.
At first glance, the themes presented in this story seem immersed in its historical setting of 1897 Rhome, Texas. However, as the title implies, those themes are as relevant today as they were 100+ years ago. That's why this book is a must-read for anyone who cares about how humanity changes - and doesn't - over time.
August 22, 2023
August Simms is 86. He's seen and done a lot in his time and as he feels his time ending, he wants one last adventure. It is 1897, and August is chasing rumors of airships and returns to the small town in Texas where 15 years earlier, he witnessed a lynching and his beloved wife died of cancer. The story and the characters draw you into events of 1897, 1882, and draw parallels to the present in a masterful way. It is a beautifully written story of regret, friendship, and acceptance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing. In exchange for an advance copy, I have given an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing. In exchange for an advance copy, I have given an honest review.
August 24, 2023
A Persistent Echo is a novel that transcend genre. On the surface, it is a finely crafted historical fiction story that centers on a man’s quest to learn the truth about a series of “Airship/UFO” sighting that occurred in 1897 in Rhome Texas, but below the surface there is so much more to this masterfully drawn story. We have a protagonist in August Simms, haunted by tragic events from his past, who is seeking solace as he nears the end of his life. We have a pair of women whose love for one another may cost them everything. History comes alive as Kaufman raises the stakes in this excellent novel that will have you turning pages deep into the night. I highly recommend this book.
November 26, 2023
We read this book for our book study, and I confess reading a book about UFO sightings did not excite me. I started it reluctantly, but quickly became absorbed in the artful setting of place, development of character, and relaxing pace of this novel based on true events. I am still clearing the Texas dust from my teeth, and felt like I slowed down to the pace of life in the late 1800s. It was a mini-vacation to another time and place, and I found myself picking it up to read at every opportunity until I finished. The plot went in a completely unexpected direction, with themes in social life that are truly timeless.
August 30, 2023
Brian Kaufman's A Persistent Echo is a tour de force--a literary gem akin to a French opera cake in its layered complexity! In the waning years of the 19th century, 86-year-old August Simms embarks on a final adventure; a Texas homecoming to confront his unresolved past, investigate the mysterious present, and pave a future for the ones he loved last.
Kaufman's simple prose unravels complex themes, echoing Paulette Jiles's News of the World storytelling grace, yet providing a narrative tapestry of richer textures. It's impossible to over-recommend this read--I need more stars!
Kaufman's simple prose unravels complex themes, echoing Paulette Jiles's News of the World storytelling grace, yet providing a narrative tapestry of richer textures. It's impossible to over-recommend this read--I need more stars!
August 30, 2023
What’s past is prologue, a concept beautifully illustrated by the final actions of August Simms in a dusty 1890s Texas town that's characterized by back-breaking work, swift acts of violence, and deeply-ingrained prejudices. Simms has filled many exciting roles in his long life, but now that his health is in a severe decline, he yearns for one last adventure and perhaps a glimpse of a miracle. What he discovers about humankind will first horrify you, then enlighten you, and ultimately warm your heart. It's a story that will echo in your thoughts long after you've finished reading it.
November 1, 2024
This is a terrific novel, with an intriguing plot and strong character development. Set in 1897 during a rash of mysterious airships that may or may not have been pranks or actual UAPs in rural Texas, the story blends a historical feel for life in a small rural Texas town and an air of mystery. I enjoyed the way that Brian Kaufman writes so much that I obtained a copy of his previous novel (A Shadow Melody) which has gone to the top of my To Read stack.
September 18, 2023
Great read!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well done. The flow of the book made it easy to keep track of the characters. The mystery of the airship kept you in suspense. This is one of the few books I have recently read that I did not want to put down. Thanks for a great book! 😀
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well done. The flow of the book made it easy to keep track of the characters. The mystery of the airship kept you in suspense. This is one of the few books I have recently read that I did not want to put down. Thanks for a great book! 😀
September 20, 2023
Unexpectedly fine.
I got this via Amazon Prime via a Kindle sample and doubted I would read further. I expected a formulaic UFO book, and instead found a unique period piece about life in rural Texas around 1900. The author has many insights about the human condition, and is a fine writer. The UFOs, or whatever, are really a minor part of the story.
I got this via Amazon Prime via a Kindle sample and doubted I would read further. I expected a formulaic UFO book, and instead found a unique period piece about life in rural Texas around 1900. The author has many insights about the human condition, and is a fine writer. The UFOs, or whatever, are really a minor part of the story.
November 24, 2023
A sweet, quiet story of a righteous elderly man at the turn of the nineteenth century in small-town Texas. August Simms returns to Rhone ostensibly to investigate the rumors of flying ships (UFOs) but, as the story evolves, it becomes clear that he’s as much on a mission to resolve an earlier episode in his life. A heartwarming story about a man of admirable character.
February 4, 2024
What a beautiful story that leads to a place I hadn't intended to go! I was sucked into the story by the historical context and then a whole different story took place. My imagination ran wild as I was trying to guess the outcome of the beautifully paced story, and when we got to the end, all I could do was smile. Great book by a talented author!
August 26, 2023
This heartfelt story, filled with wit and wisdom, kept me reading late into the night and waking eager for the next page. August Simms, Kaufman’s protagonist, will stay with me long past the last page. I wish he was my grandpa.
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