West of January
{5/5} “I was born somewhere in the west of January, probably near the middle of Wednesday. I cannot locate the spot more closely. Even if I knew it exactly — even if there was a bronze tablet there to record the event — I could not name it for you.”
West of January by Dave Duncan, published in 1989
Knobil is worried the time will come soon when he becomes an adult — he will have to leave his family and become a loner. Before that happens his father, the herdmaster, is killed and new man, Anubyl, takes charge. Anubyl kills Knobil’s mother and Knobil vows revenge — but he is small and cowardly and doesn’t know how he will accomplish it. Then he’s rescued by an angel.
It’s about learning about the world, and the varieties of people on it. It’s about what sort of people are equal, and what sort of people violence can be used against.
It’s a delightfully unique world, and a main character you’ll want to follow wherever he goes. The prose envelops you and you’re there in that world.
This is the 1st book I’ve read by Duncan, and I will definitely read more.