The Seaboard Review Praises Steve Schlam's The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane
Montreal, April 1, 2026 — 8th House Publishing is delighted to announce that Steve Schlam's debut novel, The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane, has been reviewed by The Seaboard Review of Books, receiving thoughtful recognition for its ambition, lyrical prose, and innovative structure.
In a review published this week, critic John Oughton describes the book as "a promising and ambitious first novel" that "takes risky experiments with the novel’s conception and style." He notes that Schlam, an American actor and author, "writes some fine prose" and "gives credit for researching and depicting the era when pro wrestling became popular entertainment, its oversized heroes and villains serving up Punch and Judy shows on steroids. His descriptions of actual wrestling bouts, and the complicity between the competitors… are well conveyed."
The review also highlights the novel's homage to Faulkner's As I Lay Dying and its connection to the real‑life wrestler Haystacks Calhoun, whose legend inspired the protagonist's stage persona. Oughton observes that "the structure of the book is a homage to Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying," with narrative shifts that mirror the Mississippi master's technique.
The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane follows Herschel, a gentle, Jewish professional wrestler known as Haystacks, who lies comatose after a mysterious accident. The story unfolds through a stream‑of‑consciousness opening and subsequent chapters that alternate between the perspectives of his friends, family, and manager, all while returning to his hospital bed. At 348 pages, the novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the blurred line between dream and reality.
"We're thrilled to see Steve Schlam's work receive such a considered and appreciative reading," said a spokesperson for 8th House Publishing. "This review captures exactly what we admire in the book—its daring, its heart, and its deep engagement with literary tradition."
Readers are encouraged to read the full review on The Seaboard Review’s website:
https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/the‑harvesting‑of‑haystacks‑kane‑steve‑schlam.
The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane (ISBN 978‑1‑926716‑70‑1, 348 pages, softcover) is available for purchase directly from the 8th House Publishing online shop at:
https://shop.8thhousepublishing.com/104‑the‑harvesting‑of‑haystacks‑kane.html, as well as through select retailers.
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