Feast Day of Fools (Hackberry Holland)

This is another of Burke's books about crime mystery and action. All of his books in this genre follow a pretty similar pattern when events, characters, and language are concerned. So one knows what to expect in that regard. Burke's great talent is his ability to make these similarities work for him and not against him. He then can concentrate on other matters that make his books such great reads. No other author comes to mind who can develop a sense of place better than Burke. From the ground beneath one's feet to the thunder storm clouds in the distance and every space in between, Burke puts the reader there. His characters are similar in each book, but he develops them with such individual strengths that they become visible images in the reader's mind. The action of the characters becomes visible action. I have read almost all of his work, some more than once (maybe one or two even more than that). They never disappoint. They are great stories that sort of just saunter into the room and own it until the story is over.

After his Katrina novel, which I reckon will long reign as the best Katrina novel (or one of the best; we can hope for more brilliant writing from others, yes?), I wondered what in the world Burke could come up with next. Feast Day of Fools is a venture into new territory physically and a further exploration of some of the psychological themes developed in his Dave Robichaux series: Vietnam and dealing with what was done there, degradation of the body and spirit, choices between the virtuous and the necessary, ingenuity in combining the virtuous and the necessary. Recovering as I am from a breakdown with a diagnosis of PTSD, this novel is my companion in remembering, coming to terms with, and making choices about encounters with true evil spawned from known and unknown causes, as well as the lesser violence human beings wreak upon one another. It is a fine introduction to Burke-world, though more packed with violence with fewer reflective passages than in other books. The characters are compelling and complex, the dialogue fine, and the setting beautifully drawn. Thanks, James Lee Burke, for another thought-provoking companion to your readers' days.

Fun read. Would be better if Burke would slim down some of his prose. He tries too hard to be profound. Just tell the story and let it speak for itself. Would like to see more of Hackberry Holland books. . Burke is a gem. And prolific.

James Lee Burke has once again told a great story. He's created a relatable character in Hack Holland and a great nemesis in hitman/serial killer Jack Collins. Burke's elegiac prose are almost poetic. I've always been a fan of his Dave Robecheaux novels and I'm now a fan of Hack Holland. Hope he writes another one real soon.

I starting reading this book the day I received it, which by the way, was way sooner than I thought delivery would be. As far as the book itself, I absolutely loved it! I'm definitely a Burke fan and his character Hackberry Holland just can't get enough of. Ready for another!!

Another great read from the king of eloquence. This sequal grabs you from the beginning and never lets go. I read about a book a week but after reading any Burke novel I have to take a break. You put down the book at the end and ask "how do you follow that"?

Rain Gods, the predecessor to this novel, was an excellent novel in which James Lee Burke pushed an older protagonist, Sheriff Hack Holland, through a series of encounters with morally insane and violent people of South Texas who force him to deal with the incomprehensible challenges they represent. The environment was characterized by Burke's trademark characteristics -- bloody story incident, surreal visions, discussions of faith, good and evil, all related in Burke's familiar quasi-poetic prose. Alas, This outing reads like a retread of that earlier novel, unnecessarily bringing back characters who were better off presumed dead, pushing the Sheriff further into a predictable and not very interesting battle-of-the-sexes working relationship with his chief deputy, and -- regrettably -- just wearing out his welcome.

It's sad to say, but Burke is losing the spark he brought to earlier novels that worked his basic formula. There is something just tired and slow about this book. The good guys are dull and the villains are repellent, but not in an interesting way. Hackberry Holland needs to retire. Based on recent appearances, Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell also look like a played-out vein in Burke's literary mine. Could the lawyer Billy Bob Holland appear in another novel? He has the advantage of not being overexposed.

Not much point in grinding this book any further. I acknowledge that tastes differ and that this one may appeal more to others. It didn't work for me. Burke has been better before and may be again. I hope so.

I've admired all of Burkes works...and enjoyed the characters who run through his novels. Read them all...But here as I've seen in the past one has to put up with the escaping present anxieties in all of his novels. Burke has a propensity to delve into past horrors of war days and drunken nights, descriptive nightmares that seem to go on and on in his novels. It does wear on my enthusiasm for the plot and outcome, when one can then come back to whatever is part of the present. It's his way of writing- but it is redundant once again, Feast Day of Fools is again one of these deprived writings that seem to ramble with nothing in the final page. And, with this being said and saving writing space in this review, I suggest this book should be considered "a must read," for art students and first year journalists. The way Burke has command of "painting" a scene in words is subject for a painter to interpret and illustrate a landscape painting. Burkes description of even a sunset or a rainstorm has meaning for someone to visualize and illustrate the image on canvas. And, rightfully so of that same description for the 1st year journalist to take note with words and how to "paint" those words. Here one could possibly use Burke as a mentor.... i.e. the first year law student at Arizona State University has required reading of the novel (along with the DVD), "Anatomy Of A Murder," by Robert Traver. This is because of the way court procedures evolve and is an excellent example. Need one say more? Why can't Burke's "Feast Day of Fools" be a required book for that art student and journalist?

Okay so just one star with this novel- it's lost and I never did find much of a plot.

Another great read from the king of eloquence. This sequal grabs you from the beginning and never lets go. I read about a book a week but after reading any Burke novel I have to take a break. You put down the book at the end and ask "how do you follow that"?

Anyone who enjoys an intense, intellectual reading will enjoy Feast Day of Fools. The main character is a flawed man who brings other flawed people to justice. This is a rich reading and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading.

This is as James Lee Burke himself suggests is his best work yet - well it is the best I have read. Complex, wry, bloody and full of moral dilemma.
Almost a classic western. Wonderfully flawed characters. Oh and a great read. Enjoy.

James Lee Burke is without doubt my all time favourite Author.This work is not one of his best.Nevertheless.I found it compelling and as usual I was sorry when I reached the last page.For you that have not read any of Burke's works,I recommend that you do so asap.

I love Burke's wonderful descriptions and philosophical insights. In this book, they got in the way of the story. The plot was just a collection of wonderful introspections with some violence thrown in now and then to remind us of how evil men can be. I didn't meet Noie, not really, until far into the book. I didn't learn his significance until near the end. Sorry, but I cannot recommend this book.

James Lee Burke has written another entrancing and meadering Southern story with moral quandries and beautiful prose. One of my favorite lines is from Hackberry Holland's father: Worry robs us of our faith and our joy and gives us nothing in return. Thank you, Mr. Burke.