kimlockhartga@beige.party
DODGE CITY, by Patrick deWitt.
This a very easy reading story, similar to the Sisters Brothers in terms of humor and wit, but this novel has none of that novel's biting, satirical dark edges. You may wonder what the book is about, even while you're reading it. I think it's about what we owe: to our family, our friends, our romantic partners, our country, and ultimately: to ourselves. That's the real journey the MC takes, while he traverses the country to figure out the answers to those questions, and to reject having them answered for him.
It's written as if it's unfolding, but has the definite feel of reminiscence, looking back at how we got to where we are now. It's reflective, funny, earnest, and at times tender with the discovery of the various ways in which we all disappoint each other, and the grace that can arise from those realizations. 4/5 stars.
@bookstodon @kimlockhartga I started reading this book late Wednesday evening. It's causing me to reflect on what I thought about the draft then, and what I think about it now. I often enjoy books that invite social commentary.
@ReadingTheDots @bookstodon It was interesting to me, because that was my parent's generation, and I have to imagine what it must have been like, and how it must have felt.