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Both sweeping and exquisitely intimate, award-winning author Bart Yates blends historical fact and fiction in a surprising, thought-provoking saga spanning 12 significant days across nearly 100 years in the life of a single man, beginning in 1920s Utah.
"Each day is a story, whether or not that story makes any damn sense or is worth telling to anyone else."
At the age of ninety-six, Isaac Dahl sits down to write his memoir. For Isaac, an accomplished journalist and historian, finding the right words to convey events is never a problem. But this book will be different from anything he has written before. Focusing on twelve different days, each encapsulated in a chapter, Isaac hopes to distill the very essence of his life.
There are days that begin like any other, only to morph through twists of fate. An avalanche strikes Bingham, Utah, and eight-year-old Isaac and his twin sister, Agnes, survive when they are trapped in an upside-down bathtub. Other days stand apart in history—including a day in 1942, when Isaac, stationed on the USS Houston in the Java Sea as a rookie correspondent, confronts the full horror of war. And there are days spent simply, with his lifelong friend, Bo, or with Danny, the younger man whose love transforms Isaac's later years—precious days with significance that grows clear only in hindsight.
From the Oklahoma Dust Bowl to a Mississippi school at the apex of the civil rights movement, Isaac tells his story with insight, wisdom, and emotional depth. The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl is a wonderful, singular narrative that will spark conversation and reflection—a reminder that there is no such thing as an ordinary life, and the greatest accomplishment of all is to live and love fully.
Day One
February 17, 1926. Bingham, Utah
Each day is a story, whether or not that story makes any damn sense or is worth telling to anyone else. If you live a long time, and your memory doesn't completely crap out, you end up with enough stories to fill a library; it's nearly impossible to pick and choose a mere handful to write about—a stupid, arbitrary stricture I've been cowed into accepting by a dead bully. Why I lack the testicular fortitude to just say no is a vexing question, but what aggravates me even more is the fact that I have no idea where to start.
Okay, I'm lying.
I actually do know, but it irks me beyond belief to give Aggie the satisfaction of following her advice. That she now only exists in my head is beside the point: I'd like to maintain at least a smidgeon of autonomy in my own skull, for God's sake.
Is that so much to ask?
Sadly, in this case, it is.
You're very unattractive when you whine, Isaac.
That's what she'd say, of course, if she were still here. I find it both irritating and oddly comforting that I can hear her voice so clearly, without even trying. She may as well never have died, given that she's every bit as exasperating in my imagination as she ever was in person.
Just get on with it and tell them about the giant.
Agnes and I were getting ready for bed—and fighting, of course, about whose turn it was to stoke the woodstove—when our mother lifted her head and told us to shush. Agnes was my twin sister, and Mama always claimed we came out of her womb mad as weasels, screaming hell and death at each other, same as every day afterward. (The midwife hauled me out only a few minutes ahead of Aggie, who no doubt thought the whole sordid business was my fault, and something I should have warned her about.)
"Shush, both of you," Mama repeated. She was nursing Hilda, our baby sister, by the woodstove. "Did you hear that noise?"
"What noise?" Agnes asked.
"The giant," I said.
"Don't be ridiculous," Agnes said. "Giants aren't real."
"Shush!" Mama insisted.
I was eight and had just read Jack and the Beanstalk. I was a timid kid with a perverse imagination, and long before the story of Jack and his magic beans came into my life, I was jumping at phantom faces in every shadow. I believed the large rock beside our house was a troll turned to stone, waiting for the next dark of the moon to become flesh; I swore I could hear nymphs and demons battling for dominion in the restless water of Bingham Creek; I dreamt almost every night of warty, jaundiced witches, lumbering ogres, and pallid ghosts with milky eyes. Yet the old fairy tale about Jack the giant-killer—a murderous, thieving boy who not only got away with his sins, but
was actually rewarded for them—unsettled me in a way few things did. Whatever my mother may have heard that night, I heard a vengeful relative of Jack's slain giant, rousing to wrath somewhere up the canyon.
Agnes and I had just finished bathing in the claw-foot, castiron tub Father bought for Mama at Christmas. There was no privacy in our one-room house. Agnes and I shared a cramped bed on one side of the room, next to Hilda's crib; Father and Mama's bed was on the opposite wall, a few feet from the kitchen table. It was the only home Agnes and I knew, and we couldn't imagine not bumping into each other every time we hunched over to tie a shoe. The two of us used the same towel to dry ourselves before slipping into our matching nightshirts—cut and sewed from the same bolt of blue flannel by Mama—and the smell of rye bread, fried onions, and boiled cabbage was still in the air from supper, three hours before.
"Oh," Agnes said, cocking her head. "I hear it now, too, Mama."
The winter cold was slithering like rattlesnakes through every crack in the walls and floors that night, and I tugged on gray wool socks and listened to the strange rumbling in the dark world beyond our walls. The only light in the room aside from the fire in the woodstove ...
Excerpted from The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl by Bart Yates. Copyright © 2024 by Bart Yates. Excerpted by permission of A John Scognamiglio Book. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
A Note from the Author
No, I wasn't stoned when I came up with the idea for this book.
Truly.
Regardless of how plausible it might sound, I was absolutely NOT sitting on my couch in sweatpants and a wine-stained hoodie, smoking a joint and shoving fried cheese balls into my mouth while mumbling things to my cat like: Hey, how about I start my next book in 1926, when the main dude is just eight years old, then jump eight years in the future for the second chapter, then just keep on jumping eight years for every chapter after that until he's old as hell, and along the way I'll toss his butt in an avalanche, a dust storm, a naval battle, a movie about Cinderella, and other random crap like that? Want a cheese ball? These freakin' things are awesome!
I only wish my creative process worked like that.
I began plotting out The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl in the summer of 2014. The only reason I know this is because I found the following note scribbled in one of my notebooks:
-August 31, 2014. Historical novel.
-First person, past tense. Early childhood to old age.
-Each chapter eight years apart, starting at age 8, ending at age 96, so 1926 -2014.
-Twelve chapters, roughly twenty pages each. Each chapter a day in history.
-Different location each chapter. Recurring characters, new people in each.
-Narrator is writer/journalist/gay.
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of A John Scognamiglio Book. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.
Bart Yates, who has also written under the name Noah Bly, is the author of several previous novels, including Leave Myself Behind, winner of a 2004 Alex Award. First Impressions readers adored The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl, giving the book an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
What the book is about:
Isaac Dahl has indeed had a long life with enough strange—or at least unusual—episodes to justify the book's title, and at 96, the former journalist decides to write a memoir. He tells his story in a series of single days set years apart, days when he experiences both natural disasters—an avalanche, a tornado, an earthquake—and man-made disasters—the Dust Bowl, WWII at sea, nuclear tests in the Pacific, Civil Rights violence in Mississippi, AIDS…personal moments with his beloved twin sister and their best friend…and the often painful drama of a gay man making his way through the twentieth century (Judith G).
Readers praised the story's structure…
Showing a man's life in twelve chapters was inspired. Maybe being 92 years old myself helped me to relate, but I think the book would be great for anyone of any age (Portia A). I was a little skeptical that a book about a man's life that skips ahead every eight years would tell a coherent story, much less an enjoyable one. I was very wrong…Each chapter presented new characters who added depth to Isaac's story (Elizabeth V).
…and enjoyed how the author delivered encapsulated perspectives on historical events.
I don't think we realize how many historical events we witness or perhaps participate in until we look back (Mary Z). The author did a great job incorporating real and interesting events in history throughout, along with developing the characters and their relationships. I found myself invested in both Isaac and his story as well as the historical events and settings from the 1920s to the 2010s (Allison R).
The novel also led many reviewers to reflect on their own lives.
It made me review my life and try to pick out the most pivotal points I would have included in a book like this (Jane B). As a reader in the twilight years (70) of my life, I found this book very poignant. I have often looked at my life reflecting on the passage of time as I have moved through history and experienced personal growth (Jolene B). It is almost guaranteed that readers will be reflecting on their own life's "moments" while reading. That was my experience and it made me wish I could coax more days' adventures from my dad who will be 100 in November! (Connie K).
Overall, readers found Yates' book captivating and the characters relatable and memorable.
The characters are so well-developed that I feel as if I know them personally, and I am genuinely mourning the end of the book, as I will miss them greatly (Karna B). The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl is one of a kind and a book that I believe will be talked about for many years…Isaac lived a life that was full of poignancy that will resonate with anyone who reads it. He is, to me, the common man who experiences both the joy and pain of living. And in that experience allows us to realize what we have lived, still have to live, and how it will affect us and our loved ones (Diane T).
Reviewed by First Impressions Reviewers
Rated 5 out of 5
by Karna B. (Urbandale, IA)
I am genuinely mourning the end of this book
"The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl" by Bart Yates is unlike any book I have read before, and I can't remember the last time I loved a book this much. It chronicles the life of Isaac Dahl from age 8 to 96, with each chapter depicting a different day or part of his life. The 12 chapters leap eight years ahead each time, making for an engaging and unique narrative. Yates excels at bridging the gaps between these time jumps, creating a seamless and compelling story. The characters are so well-developed that I feel as if I know them personally, and I am genuinely mourning the end of the book, as I will miss them greatly.
I love this book so much that I would read it again, which is rare for me. I typically only reread books I encountered in high school to understand why I liked them, especially as my memory in my 60s can be unreliable. The fact that I would read this book multiple times makes it a 5-star read. In full disclosure, my personal connection to the story might influence my opinion. Half of my ancestors hail from Sweden, and my Dad was in the 34th Infantry - Red Bull, sharing experiences with Bo in places like Ireland, Africa, and Italy. Having lived two-thirds of my life in Des Moines, IA, and having significant ties to Iowa City, the book resonates deeply with me. It has enough memory hooks to feel personal. I have spent a lot of time speculating about the lives of my ancestors. There are several people in my family tree for whom I would love to have a book like this written.
And then there is this: "Each day is a story, whether or not that story makes any damn sense, or is worth telling to anyone else." "What matters is that we're fine right now." and "I want to see how this story ends."
Thank you to BookBrowse, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
Rated 5 out of 5
by Viqui G. (State College, PA)
The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl
This novel was delightful to read. The premise of reviewing Isaac Dahl's life based on 12 specific days spaced 8 years apart was a surprisingly effective way to understand the individual. The 12 days chosen to describe Isaac were a mixture of mundane events and significant historical events such as the WW2 naval battle in which the USS Houston sank. Throughout Isaac's life he was fortunate to have a close relationship with both his sister, Agnes and his best friend, Bo. The positive value of these friendships was an important theme in the novel and helped tie all the days of his life together. I strongly recommend this novel to all readers of fiction.
Rated 5 out of 5
by Colleen C. (Bourne, MA)
The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl
I totally enjoyed this book, loved that the book interwove fiction and non-fiction into one book. The book takes 12 twelve monumental days in history and forms a fictitious story with Isaac Dahl as the main character, along with family and friends. The three main characters - Isaac, his twin sister Agnes and Bo have a special relationship that lasts a lifetime, through life's trials and tribulations. A beautiful story that begins in Utah, 1926 and ends in California,2014 filled with humor, tenderness and sadness.
Rated 5 out of 5
by Jodi S. (Goldens Bridge, NY)
Loved this!
What an interesting premise for a book. A day here and another day there. Some important days some ordinary days. But put them all together and they make up the very long, very strange life of Isaac Dahl. I loved the story and the way the booked flowed, even though it jumped by 8 years every chapter. If you want to read a book that tells a life story in an interesting, historical manner, read this book!
Rated 5 out of 5
by Mary Z. (Lake Forest, IL)
A Unique Read
I liked this book and felt it was well written. I thought the idea of advancing 8 years each chapter was a unique way of telling the story. Also the use of historical events. I don't think we realize how many historical events we witness or perhaps participate in until we look back. It made me realize how unique each one's life is.
Originally I felt that the advancement of 8 years left gaps and questions in the story as well as not developing the characters as much as I would like but found most questions were answered and you realize it was done on purpose. I really liked how this was done and why. Not a spoiler here!
I recommend this book and think it would be a great book for a book club.
Rated 5 out of 5
by Allison R. (Twinsburg, OH)
A long and interesting life
I enjoyed how this book allowed the reader to dive deep into 12 significant days in Isaac's long life, starting from his childhood and going well into his old age. This was a unique and insightful way to get to know someone and see their development over the course of a life. The author also did a great job incorporating real and interesting events in history throughout, along with developing the characters and their relationships. I found myself invested in both Isaac and his story as well as the historical events and settings from the 1920s to the 2010s. The format give you a deeper appreciation for how people change and think at different stages in their lives. I am not sure if Isaac's life was truly strange, but it surely was interesting.
Rated 5 out of 5
by Jane B. (San Ramon, CA)
The very long, very strange life of Issac Dahl
I could not put this book down once I started reading it. The format of the 12 days in the long life of Issac was brilliant. It made me review my life and try to pick out the most pivotal points I would have included in a book like this. I particularly enjoyed the conversations of Agnus, Issac and Bo. It gave comic relief to the book and reinforced that our personalities do not change that much as we age and mature. It shows the complexities that life throws at us and how we need a core of people to help us through. Mr Yates was able to dial down to the emotions of his different days and show the reader how it affected Issac. I was rightly horrified with the USS Houston chapter and it stayed with me for a long time. I also liked the My Autobiography page at the end of the book so that I could go back to it and see the time line that Issac used and the exact dates. This book was a well written, thought provoking book that stays with the reader.
Rated 5 out of 5
by Evelyn K. (Davis, CA)
Historical Novel - The Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl
I enjoyed this book very much! It was unlike any book I've read.
It was well written and I felt so completely involved I had trouble putting it down.
I will suggest it to my book group.
The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl by Bart Yates is written as a series of vignettes based on twelve days in the life of the main character, which include personal moments and historical events, both famous and lesser-known. One of these happenings is an avalanche that Isaac survives at the age of eight with his sister in the town of Bingham, Utah. This event appears to be based on a real-life disaster that occurred on February 17, 1926.
Bingham, Utah was a popular miners' community in southwestern Salt Lake County, situated in a canyon of the Oquirrh Mountains. Mormons Thomas and Sanford Bingham settled there in 1848, and ore was soon discovered, but it was only in the 1860s that the area began to develop as a mining city. Even then, the remote location and the cost of transportation made moving ore and equipment difficult. However, this situation changed rapidly in 1873 with the completion of a railroad branch serving the region, resulting in a copper boom by the turn of the century. During the 1920s, Bingham was home to over 15,000 residents who had come from places all over the world, including Italy, France, Japan, Sweden (like Isaac's family), and elsewhere, and was made up of various ethnic enclaves.
In mid-February of 1926, Bingham experienced multiple days of heavy snow. On the morning of Feburary 17, a devastating avalanche of snow, rock, and trees tore through the canyon, killing an estimated 40 people, destroying homes, boarding houses, and churches, and leaving many without shelter. The resulting debris was said to have been 50 to 100 feet deep.
On February 18, the Aspen Daily Times reported, "Rescue workers are still fighting their way through the mass of snow, timbers and rocks, working in relays with only a short rest between shifts. It is expected that several days will elapse before the rescue is completed. The bodies of victims are being brought down to the town's only undertaking establishment in sleighs. The depth of snow renders the use of autos useless." Some believed that mine explosives had triggered the avalanche, but as it isn't known where explosives were used, there's no way to determine whether or not this was the case.
While mining continued successfully after the avalanche, Bingham's days were numbered. The canyon's open mine began to overwhelm the community, which was already squeezed into an extremely narrow area, and by 1972, the original site of the town had been displaced by the growing pit.
Bingham Canyon circa 1920, via Internet Archive Book Images
Filed under People, Eras & Events
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