Many of us have moments when we climb out of a haze or a terrible nightmare or a daydream, and wonder, “What day is it? What’s going on?” These moments are unsettling and confusing. Peter Heller’s newest novel, Burn, begins in such a way.

Peter Heller

Following their annual weeks-long hunting sojourn, two lifelong friends, Jess and Storey, stumble out of the wild woodlands of Maine only to discover death and destruction in a small town. Dead bodies signal that something horrific has happened: homes are destroyed, infrastructure is decimated, communications are down, and it appears that everyone is gone. There are no dogs barking in the background. Even the natural world is unnaturally quiet.

Denver-based Heller, known for dystopian themes in his recent novels, takes the reader along a powerful journey as the main characters try to navigate and comprehend what has happened to the world around them while they were gone. They witness the specter of a dark helicopter thundering overhead, shooting first and not bothering to ask questions later. This moment dumbfounds both men as they begin to comprehend the severity of their plight.

With considerable effort, and not knowing who can be trusted, Jess and Storey begin working their way to what they hope will be civilization. As they scavenge for food and supplies, they begin to piece together what is happening. The political climate of the nation has ratcheted up tensions so taut that there has been an assassination of significance. Secessionists hold sway in several states. Rural Maine, where they are, is the center of secessionist fervor. Somehow the men must make it out of the area and find their way to back to their homes and family.

As the men look for a safe passage out, we learn about the foundation of their friendship through personal remembrances and thoughts. We begin to understand what is driving each of them forward and learn of a dark secret that has somehow not broken their steadfast companionship. The secret has been weighing heavily on Jess’ mind for many years and Storey’s reaction is surprising. The gift of friendship and the challenges it often presents to both men are only strengthened.

An unexpected and tiny find changes their course and urgency as the men grapple with so many unknowns. With determination to reunite a small child with her family, Jess and Storey carry on, evading both government and secessionists troops, focusing solely on the safety of the child, leading to a surprising conclusion.

Peter Heller’s succinct use of words draws us into a world of imagery and emotion. His obvious connection to and knowledge of wilderness is evident as he captures the true feeling of the woodlands and water. The reader is easily walking, quietly, alongside Jess and Storey as they navigate through their odyssey. We are drawn into the alarming ‘us vs them’ mindset on disparate political sides, the rage, the animosity and mistrust of one another. Burn is a cautionary tale of what could really happen and it’s scary as hell.

At its heart, the essence of Burn is about devotion—to family, those we are born into and those we cultivate and acquire, to the strength and wonder of the world around us. It’s a dark ode to survival and courage, to forgiveness and love.