582. Sometimes a Great Notion

Sometimes a Great Notion
Ken Kesey
1964

Around 715 pages

Speaking of clunkers. I was not at all impressed by One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, so I wasn't looking forward to 700+ more pages of Kesey. And a novel about logging strike? I'm already asleep. I only want to read about labor disputes if Emile Zola is at the helm.

The novel takes place in the lame Wakonda with a "O," which is located on the Oregon coast. The union loggers go on strike, but the hard headed Stamper family aren't known for their flexibility and don't support the strikers. Which I guess is why we need 715 pages.

So this was just kind of dull, the Stampers are an unlikable bunch, and I was unpleasantly reminded of Faulkner. Kesey doesn't do female characters well, and the action doesn't pick up until the very end.

In conclusion, this novel will make you want to saw logs. I'm here all week folks.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Film adaptation directed and starred Paul Newman.

UP NEXT: The Passion According to G.H. by Clarice Lispector