Book Review: Straw Shoes by Mathias B. Freese

“Death ends desire. I’m alive; I desire.”

Mathias Freese, Straw Shoes

Review:

What a treat this was! Eloquently written, philosophical, and deeply human, author Mathias Freese dubs Straw Shoes as his final work. 

Leaving his farm and family in Taishan, China, Ah sets out for California during the Gold-rush era. Not only wanting a better life for his family, he is also searching for deeper fulfillment in his own life. There is physical labor involved, both lives mirroring the other in a way, but the book puts a deeper focus on the internal life of Ah. 

Perhaps more impressive than the book itself is that the author spent decades working on this story, bringing elements of his younger self and joining them with his present self. The years of growth and self-reflection are evident throughout the pages, making the writing rich and the characters richer. 

I have previously read an essay collection by Mathias Freese, but this was my first novel by him. I thoroughly enjoyed the prose as well as the story. Although the book sits at under two hundred pages, the story is full and in-depth. It’s bittersweet hearing that this will be this author’s final work, and I sincerely hope there may be a chance at one more, but if not, I think this book serves as a great testament to his craft. 

A huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book!

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Thought-provoking writing.
• Wonderful characters.

What I didn’t like:

• Although the story is complete as it is, I would have been happy with another hundred pages or so.

Afterthoughts:

Thanks again to the author for reaching out and inviting me to read this book! It was an honor.

Where to buy the book: