Reconcile, by Bruce Campbell

Bruce Campbell is probably the most beloved living horror star. His only possible rival is Robert Englund. I think Bruce has him beat. People, fans, love the guy.

I remember when Campbell came to the Horrorfind Convention. Staff and security had to rush him to the elevators like The Beatles in A Hard Day’s Night. Fans would have mobbed him.

I like Bruce a lot too. His onscreen presence and frenetic performances are unforgettable. His signature character tends to be a smartass douche. Bruce can be a bit of a one-note, but we love him for it.

I understand Bruce Campbell is sick. Possibly terminally so. This is heartbreaking. We don’t have a lot of living horror legends left.

Bruce wrote a few nonfiction books, but I tried and didn’t get very far in them. What makes the man’s humor work is his delivery. Bruce Campbell can take a bad joke and make you laugh your head off.

A new book from Mr. Campbell appeared out of the blue. It’s a western novella called Reconcile. The cover appears to be an AI creation, but who can tell anymore? I hate AI more than the average guy, but I’m not going to hold it against Bruce. He has cancer, for God’s sake.

Ten bucks. My hopes not high, I ordered a copy of Reconcile, and I worked it in between the longer books I generally read.

I want to be a nice guy. I want to say Bruce Campbell wrote a beautiful epigraphical work of fiction that will stand forever to honor his legacy.

I want to, but I’m not about to start lying to you now.

I knew things were grim when I read the poorly-written back cover synopsis and saw gaping syntax errors. I hoped the actual piece would be better.

Alas. Reconcile isn’t very good. Bruce’s heart is definitely in the right place with it. We always need reminders to get along with others. Especially in situations of race and gender.

Reconcile deals with a difference of agreement between a military encampment and a local tribe of Native Americans. Bruce dutifully portrays problematic aggression from both quarters. Reconcile also shows how innocent people inevitably get caught up in violence.

There are a couple of women characters who are initially treated like inferior human beings, but they prove their worth as equals.

A half breed is the key to open the doors of peace, love, and understanding.

It could be a good book, but unfortunately Reconcile is far too simplistic . It’s like an assignment from a semi-gifted middle school student.

The grammar is, to say the least, awkward. I’m no master of the language, but in a day’s time I could make Reconcile a lot more professional.

I didn’t like the book, but I’m glad I bought it. I like that I chipped in a few dollars to help Bruce Campbell’s spirit. Positive reviews would also help, but I’m not getting paid enough to lie. Hell, I’m not getting paid at all, so why not be honest?

I still love Bruce Campbell, but he won’t be remembered for Reconcile. Like it or not, for better or worse, Bruce Campbell will always and forever be associated with The Evil Dead. It’s a horror milestone and his performances in the movie and its offshoots are brilliant. There’s no shame in that. He could have been a parking attendant or a fruit stacker in a supermarket. Instead, Bruce Campbell and his Ash character are immortal.

In closing, Bruce should have gotten an editor or a collaborator on Reconcile. Or at least have taken more time to polish his manuscript. However, I'm unsure of the man's situation. Bruce Campbell, destroyer of deadites, defeater of demons, warrior of the timewaves, may not have time to spare. If this is his final statement, well, people have gone out on far worse notes.

Written by Mark Sieber