The Valley of Ashes

Eli Thorpe
Outskirts Press (2010)
ISBN 9781432760199
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (1/11)


In the 70s there were many lost souls who wanted to escape politics, making decisions and war. This was a time when drugs, booze and free living were rampant.  Even in a time when we thought “others” would make our world a better one, we were disillusioned.

Readers have the chance to meet Mike, a young man who is fatherless and no one really cares. He wanders aimlessly around town trying to find his place. Drugs gave him peace and serenity. If you used, you didn’t have to think about all that was wrong with the world. Many youths died during the 70s due to drugs, gangs, fights and the loss of the will to live.

Mike meets Dave, a very mellow young man who doesn’t subscribe to the everyday world culture and thoughts. He dances to a different drummer. Most of these 70s youths spend their time in the park drinking, drugging and partying. Mike invites Dave into his world.

The author has done an excellent job of describing the youth of the 70s and how poverty and loss of jobs create even more anger and mood swings. Most youth of this time only worked to get money for their afterhours activities – they had no goals. Live and let live was their motto.

The author’s excellent descriptions of using and partying or mood swings make you feel as if you are right there. It is a sad story in that so many lost their lives, yet it is so truthful.

Loyalty is a big strength of this book. Regardless of any harm that might come to one, you are there to help out your friends. But when your loyalty means you don’t jump in to save others you are an outcast.

As far as romance, most of the characters find someone, but it is not long lasting. How do you predict the future in relationships as the characters fall deeper and deeper into addiction spiraling down to nothing?

“The Valley of Ashes” is a great book to read.  If you never understood what was really going on in the 70s, this book will clear your mind as to what was going on.

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