Circle of Shadows

by Keith M. Heim

It is the late 1940s, and Steve Bowman, a fifteen-year-old Nebraska farm boy who has run away from his abusive father, finds himself in a small Alabama town with only the clothes on his back. Unknown to Awillah Pike, an elderly woman who befriends him, he moves into a dilapidated shed in her backyard and sets about fashioning a new identity while avoiding discovery and being sent back to his father. He manages to forge the documents necessary for him to get into high school and to get part-time jobs to support himself, but living in the shadows, his life becomes one of isolation, deception, and the constant threat of discovery. In the segregationist South, Steve's friendship with Taliaferro, a Negro teenager, must be kept secret. Romance finds him, and his growing relationship with his girlfriend, Laura, brightens his life and gives meaning to it. However, his life must be conducted in and out of shadows, and any meeting of the three most important people in his life, Awillah, Taliaferro, and Laura, could bring his carefully crafted façade tumbling down, sending him back to his father! In this compelling tale, his accidental discovery sends the novel in unexpected directions, ending in a twist of fate that brings resolution to the story.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Coming Of Age

212 pages, Hardcover

First published February 24, 2012

Reviews

[Vin]

I got this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway. I am glad I got it! I nice satisfactory read. Worth my time.

[Michelle]

I received this novel in one of the giveaways. It is a short novel and an easy read. For me, it took a while to really get interested in the main character Steve, but as the story line develops and his character's past is revealed, he quickly becomes the underdog you find yourself pulling for. I LOVED the historical setting and Steve's relationship with Tal. My favorite character by far was Awillah. Her character brought laughter and humor to a novel that otherwise might have been solemn. My only complaint was the end. I don't want to leave a spoiler, so I will leave it at saying I wish the author had continued with Steve's story... I want to know what happened between him leaving with Tal and the end. I know the author does explain what happened in between, but I gained so much sympathy for poor Steve and after his situation at the school, I wish there has been more details about his journey with Tal. All in all, it was a great short novel but my favorite aspects were the historical setting and of course everyone loves a good story of an underdog overcoming the odds.

[Margaret Mcnamee]

I enjoyed this quick visit to the late 1940's. The story follows Steve Bowman as he struggles to succeed in a life full of challenges and obstacles. Running from an abusive father, he finds a niche in which he can try to finish his high school education, and save for college, but where he must stay in the shadows and avoid becoming too close to anyone, lest they discover his secret and send his fragile existence crashing down.

The details of Steve's daily struggle were fascinating, as he considered every move and every small purchase with his life plan in mind. I found myself wishing the adults in the book were more observant and more responsive, so Steve wouldn't have to struggle forward so slowly and fall back so often. But perhaps, in the context of a nation, and a state, that had barely struggled out of a deep depression and world war, everyone was less aware of the clues to Steve's daily struggle.

I was disappointed in the ending, it felt a bit rushed, but it was consistent with the 'luck' that Steve faced, and the moral fiber his character consistently displayed.

This is a good, quick read.

I received a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.

[LoRee Peery]

This was a great coming of age, take-me-away tale of Steve Bowman, a teen runaway from Nebraska. The street smarts of the young lad reminded me of Tom and Huck's adventures. There were a few distractions at the beginning when I questioned the point of view, but overall, an enjoyable story with a satisfactory ending.

[David Carriere]

Circle of Shadows is a poignant and gripping coming of age story set in the late 1940s. Keith M. Heim skillfully immerses readers in the struggles of Steve Bowman, a resourceful teenager escaping abuse and seeking a new identity. The narrative captures the tension of living in secrecy, the complexities of forbidden friendships in a segregationist South, and the delicate first stirrings of romance. Heim’s portrayal of isolation, courage, and resilience is both authentic and heart-wrenching, while the story’s twists and resolution keep readers invested until the final page. A powerful exploration of identity, morality, and human connection during a challenging era.

[Linda]

This was a story that is still staying with me. It is such a good story. One that really made me think about how hard life can be and how determination can help you get where you want to be.

It will make you laugh in parts and cry in others and when you get near the end you better have a box of kleenex handy. Joe/Steve ran away from a father who was so abusive. He was only 15 and made his way from Nebraska to Alabama. He met an older woman and they became quick friends. He worked 2 jobs and a lot of side jobs to save money for college while attending high school. He worked so hard and made the best grades of anyone in his class. He had a few friends but only told one about his true identity and what happen to bring him to Alabama.

It is a very touching story that I recommend to everyone that loves to read. It had me from the very beginning to the very end. I could not put this book down, even when I was crying and it will make you cry, laugh and cry some more. The end is very unexpected. You will not see it coming. I sure didn't and I can usually tell where a story is heading. It's on I will not soon forget and if possible I would definitely give it way more than 5 stars. I LOVED IT!

[Deborah Blanchard]

What an incredible book! I was lucky enough to win this through Goodreads and I am so glad I did. This is an incredible story set in the 1940's. Joe is abused and runs away. He creates a life for himself. It is at times heartwarming and humorous, but is also so heart wrenching. I am still crying at the ending, an ending there is no way you can ever predict. The characters are deeply developed, especially Joe. You will feel like you know him and you will feel for him. This book will not soon be forgotten. It will likely stay with me forever, that is how good it is. The story line flows well from the very first chapter and what a great story it is. The dialogue is true to the times and believable. This is a book that will stay with you, you will feel it in your heart and in your soul. Incredibly well written. I highly recommend that everyone reads this book. You will be missing out on a true work of art. If you like historical fiction or if you just want to read a great book, pick this up please. If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would most certainly do so.

[Jackie Rogers]

I loved this book. Mr. Heim is a story teller. Had me from the beginning. Is the story of a 15 year old boy who is abused by his dad and runs away with just the clothes on his back. Thus begins Steves adventures in caring for himself. Is a sad tale and a victorious tale. The people he meets grab at your heart and the way he lives breaks ones heart and at the same time encourages. Is a noble tale of the resiliance of the human spirit. Read this book and be grateful and uplifted. Thank you Mr. Heim and Goodreads.

[Linda Straub]

Excellent book from start to finish. Each chapter drew you deeper into the story making you wonder what else could possibly happen to Steve. Yet you are amazed at everything he was able to accomplish and still you heart went out to him that he had do endure everything that he went through. The ending was unexpected and surprised me since I am usually able to figure out the ending before I read it. I strongly recommend this book...definitely a good novel.

[Cheryl]

Circle of Shadows is the story of a teenage boy who flees from his home in Nebraska to a small town in Alabama to escape the physical and verbal abuse of his father. The story certainly held my attention, but the ending blindsided me totally. I had assumed we'd get the usual somewhat happily ever after conclusion. Instead...well, you'll just have to read the book to see what I mean. I guess you can say it ended realistically, but it left me feeling more than a bit sad for the characters.

[Dinky ♥]

I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

I really enjoyed the style of prose and the real feel of this story. Steve is a very believable character and is easy to relate to his trials. The writer touches on emotions and scenarios you wouldn't usually encounter in modern books. Well done Keith.

[ASHLEY BATEMAN]

I won this book from GoodReads. Story is interesting but not a scary. thought it would be a little different but well worth reading.

[Bill Cappoli]

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I had a hard time getting into the book but in the end it was ok.

[Julie]

I won this book through firstreads.