In geometry, every shape and concept is built on the blocks of three undefined terms that are inherently impossible to describe without referring to themselves. In THE LAND OF THE DANCING RABBITS, the undefinable aren't points and lines but ideas, beliefs, and identities. Two pervasive strings (what it means to be alive and what happens after) seem to connect throughout the work, with a curmudgeonly middle-aged biker named Harlan acting as the anchor point. The fantastic elements, such as the bear spirit guide of sorts accompanying him through most of the book, only serve to emphasize the very human journey the protagonist travels.
Alternating between Harlan's present and his past, the narrative examines how the man ended up here and how he's going to react to what's coming next. Humor strikes a nice balance with the more negative aspects being probed, such as learned helplessness and learned hopelessness. The biggest source of that dopamine injection is Harlan's scene-stealing bear mentor. The setting also serves as a great counterpoint, tipping the scale toward a positive tone.
While the beginning almost feels like the start of a survivalist adventure, the larger work reads more like a philosophy discussion against the beautiful backdrop of Georgia's Blue Ridge mountains. The central messaging is both impactful and important, but dialogue runs heavy and borders on lecture through much of the novel. A little more description or leaning into the otherworldliness of Harlan's teachers while they're giving their lessons would have helped balance this out. Tackling some of the highest concepts there are to tackle, Yarbrough largely does a good job paring down complex ideas into something more tangible through analogies and symbols. At times, however, and mostly with the prose, the writing itself felt more convoluted than necessary: "But the idea of a search party seen in this light prompted Harlan to abandon his rock only to discover his balance still needed work; but his recovery on other physical fronts boosted his confidence in an ultimately happy ending to his mountain escapade."
THE LAND OF THE DANCING RABBITS should be an insightful read for anyone feeling stuck. A thorough exploration of the concept of self outside of external influences, the book also offers a very hopeful outlook on how to surpass limitations. (As a caution for some readers, there is a short depiction of both animal and child abuse.)
Although it makes some narrative sacrifices for the sake of theme, Sharon E. Yarbrough's THE LAND OF THE DANCING RABBITS is a charming and evocative amalgamation of an Aesop's fable and a self-help book on spiritual awakening.
~ Lisbeth Ivies for IndieReader