Once again I had a good friend recommend a great read.
It's hard to know where to even start when attempting to discuss Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins. He is a writer unlike any other and I mean that whole-heartedly. Having said that - do not expect a typical page turner of pop fiction leaving you with a life lesson, a tear shed, and a refreshed moral integrity. This writer does not follow any scripts and answers to no one (likely not even his editor). He is a true 'outlaw' in the literary world.
Robbins writes in the way a social anarchist with very strong weed and endless summer nights talks to the moon (and anyone else who cares to listen in). Still - it is, not unlike a night described above, packed with interesting discussion topics and unique (if not weird for lack of a better word) characters.
Definitely worth a read - especially if you are looking for something that doesn't fit into any of Chapters pre-destined stacks.
Because nothing will peak your interest more I will leave you with the back cover description:
"Still Life with Woodpecker is sort of a love story that takes place inside a pack of Camel cigarettes. It reveals the purpose of the moon, explains the difference between criminals and outlaws, examines the conflict between social activism and romantic individualism, and paints a portrait of contemporary society that includes powerful Arabs, exiled royalty and pregnant cheerleaders. It also deals with the problem of redheads."
What a beautiful picture of the old books... it makes you long to reach out and touch them (very gingerly!) I also love your description of the story inside a pack of Camel cigarettes.... so evocative of a wonderful setting and voice.
ReplyDeleteWell thank you although the last quote is actually the book's back cover description and therefore I can take no credit for it. It does sell itself doesn't it! A very interesting read suggested by a very interesting friend.
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