Sometimes a Great Notion [Hardcover]

Kesey's writing style is purposely disorganized and confusing, switching perspectives frequently, sometimes multiple times in each paragraph. It seems like Kesey uses this sometimes to show the confusion of the situation, but mostly it appears to be an attempt to make the novel difficult for the sake of appearing artistic or free-thinking. This seems stylish during the first 50 pages but toward the end of the novel it becomes annoying and makes the book difficult to read and the story line hard to follow. The main problem with this book is that over 350 pages of material are unnecessary. It is, simply put, a 250 page story in a 628 page book. The pompous writing style is indicative of an author who thinks everthing he puts down on the page is too brilliant to be edited out of the final draft. The first 500 pages were absolutely miserable. After that the story becomes quite engrossing and ends brilliantly.

The outrageous amount of filler and the obnoxious, distracting writing style take away from a great story. I would never recommend this book to anyone. It is absolutely miserable to read cover to cover. You may want to pick it up at the library and read parts of it, especially the last 150 pages, but I am glad I didn't waste my money buying it.

Either you are going to love this novel or hate it. Lets face it; it is not an easy book to read. The story shifts forward and backward in time, leaving the reader wondering where in the world he is. Also the story is told from numerous perspectives, with the first person shifting from one character to another. For instance in the chapter which describes the pickup ride to the state park, (chapters are neither named nor numbered) the story jumps from third person narrative, to first person with Lee telling the story and then from Lee, to Hank, to Henry and to Joe Ben, shifting from character to character so fast (as many and three times in one paragraph) it leaves the reader wondering just who is doing the talking.

Kesey has an amazing way with words, he captures the rural logging culture of Oregon. As you read it, you can literally feel the dampness and moss begin to grow between your toes from the incessant Oregon rain. Describing the rain as the returning an old maiden aunt who has come to live with you over the winter, or as the migrating geese that fly overhead the Oregon rain is the backdrop on which the story is told. Kesey also hit the nail right on the head describing the sociology of a small town. Hollywood, more often than not, describes small town American in condescending tones of being holier than thou. How often have we seen in the movies, the ladies moral society running the fallen women out of town? Kesey rightly observes rather than being judgmental small town America is more tolerant of peoples failings and faults. Why? Because everyone knows each other too well. Small town people have a there-I-go-but-by-the-grace-of-God attitude because they know full well that the sin they condemn in others, could be very well condemned in them. One more comment. As you read it, be sure to read the chapter on the perfect day that concludes with the foxhunt carefully. It is descriptive writing at its best. I will not give the story away, but it is magnificent.

Any complaints? Yeah a couple. His portrayal of the church a Pentecostal and Metaphysical Science was absurd. No such thing exists. Metaphysical churches tend to be on the cultic side, ie., Christian Science. Pentecostal churches, on the other hand tend to emphasis holiness and as a result you would not see the pastor drinking with the guys in the local bar. It is the one aspect of the logging culture of Oregon he got wrong. One more thing. Why did Kesey place the novel in a fictional town, on a fictional river while going to extraordinary lengths to document Oregon geography? I cannot figure that one out.

All in all, this is the Great American Novel. So on a cool fall day, curl up on the couch with a copy of Sometimes a Great Notion, and spend the next few weeks being transported to the rainy Oregon coast and read a truly great novel.