Reflecting on Kala by Colin Walsh: A Slow Burn Worth the Wait
When I first stumbled upon Colin Walsh’s Kala, I admit, my excitement was tempered by the heavy buzz surrounding its release. As a self-proclaimed literary sleuth, there’s always a hint of skepticism when a book is lauded as “highly anticipated” by the likes of Electric Literature and Kirkus. Yet, as I dug deeper into its premise—a revisitation of an unsolved mystery and childhood friendships—I couldn’t resist reserving a copy at my local library. What I discovered was a captivating exploration of memory, guilt, and the haunting shadows of the past that linger in a small Irish town.
The novel follows the intertwined lives of Helen, Mush, and Joe, childhood friends reuniting in Kinlough, where the specter of their past looms large, particularly the unresolved mystery surrounding their friend Kala’s disappearance fifteen years prior. As pieces of their backstory unfold, I was struck by how Walsh meticulously crafts each character, allowing us glimpses into their pains and regrets. The relationships are complex and genuine, reminding me of the precious yet frail bonds of youth.
You’ll hear some readers mutter about a slow start—a sentiment I initially shared. The first 130 pages are indeed a careful buildup, laying the groundwork and introducing a sizable cast of characters. Walsh’s choice to alternate perspectives among Helen, Mush, and Joe—with Helen and Mush in first-person and Joe in third—added a layer of complexity that required patience to navigate. At times, I felt frustrated by the frequent shifts between past and present within chapters, longing for a more traditional structure. But as I delved deeper, my patience was rewarded.
The pivotal moment, for me, came when the narrative began swirling with tension—like the climactic seconds of a suspenseful film. Suddenly, the meticulously constructed backstory pays off dramatically, with emotional climaxes that resonated deeply. Walsh’s ability to portray guilt and complicity is masterful, and I found myself not just an observer but emotionally invested in the characters’ journeys.
In a nod to fellow readers, those who enjoy the likes of We Begin at the End or Where the Crawdads Sing might find themselves at home in Walsh’s lush, character-driven narrative. He shares a knack for showcasing human resilience and the weight of past choices—one that parallels the haunting beauty found in nature and life.
Ultimately, I can see why opinions about Kala are so divided. If you savor literary mysteries that ask for your full attention and emotional investment, then this is a gem deserving of a solid four or five stars. However, for those who prefer faster-paced reads, the slow burn may feel tedious. Personally, I’m pleased I pushed through the quieter moments, which transformed into an electrifying finale that lingered long after I closed the book.
In my opinion, Kala is poised to be one of my top ten favorite reads of 2023. It’s a poignant reminder of the tangled intersections between friendship, memory, and unresolved mysteries. I eagerly await Colin Walsh’s next endeavor, curious to see where his storytelling prowess will lead us next. If you find yourself drawn to raw, introspective narratives, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up Kala. Your patience will be richly rewarded.