Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Idaho author to talk at library

Kim Barnes’ ‘A Country Called Home’ explores family redemption

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By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

Author Kim Barnes is an Idaho native who teaches writing at the University of Idaho. She is the author of two novels, "A Country Called Home" and "Finding Caruso," and her memoirs, "In the Wilderness: Coming of Age in Unknown Country" and "Hungry for the World."

"In the Wilderness: Coming of Age in Unknown Country" was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

Barnes will present her most recent work, "A Country Called Home," at the Community Library in Ketchum tonight at 6 p.m.

"A Country Called Home" was written in two parts and follows the story of a family in Idaho. The father, Thomas Deracotte, attempts to create a utopian existence for his wife and daughter.

Barnes' own life is woven throughout her novels, especially growing up in logging camps and along rivers. Her characters are based on family members, though as mythological versions.

"My mother said my first books were difficult to read because my family was involved in disturbing and violent things," Barnes said. "I told her it was fiction."

Barnes said her family came to Idaho to break the cycle of abuse that had existed in their lives until then.

"The redemption from violence is what interests me," she said. "We witness violence, but how do we redeem it?"

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Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com