They all felt that they were saying farewell, not to a man, but to humanity.

It was not just the departure of some pathetic stranger or a chance acquaintance made during the voyage. No, it was far more profound than that. They were bidding goodbye to mankind as a whole.

This was not about some nameless cipher plucked out of the vastness of life. Instead, it was like seeing the fading image of a brother's face.

The significance of this moment was overwhelming. It made them realize the interconnectedness of all humanity and the importance of every individual.

As they watched this person leave, it was as if a part of themselves was also going away.

It was a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life and the need to cherish every moment and every connection we make with others.

This farewell was not just a simple goodbye; it was a moment that would stay with them forever, etching in their hearts and minds the true meaning of humanity.

Read it while you're young.

This simple yet profound advice holds great significance. Youth is a time of boundless energy and curiosity. It is the perfect stage to explore the vast world of literature and gain knowledge.

When you're young, your mind is like a sponge, eager to absorb new ideas and perspectives. Reading exposes you to different cultures, experiences, and emotions, broadening your horizons and enriching your inner world.

Moreover, reading while young helps develop essential skills such as language proficiency, critical thinking, and imagination. It enhances your ability to express yourself clearly and understand the thoughts and feelings of others.

So, make the most of your youth by picking up a book and embarking on a literary adventure. Whether it's a classic novel, a thrilling mystery, or an inspiring self-help book, each page turn will bring you closer to a world of endless possibilities.

Read it while you're young, and let the power of words shape your future.

Written in 1934, yet nothing seems to have truly changed. People continue to experience the full gamut of human emotions and behaviors. They still fall in love, only to sometimes get hurt. Dreams are still pursued, but along the way, there are those who kill, lie, and cheat. Just as it was back then, there is a total lack of respect for the earth now. Overbuilding and greed were rampant in 1934, and unfortunately, the situation is no worse, but also not any better today. Greed still drives need, compelling people to act in ways that may not be in the best interest of themselves or the world around them.

However, within this rather bleak picture, there is still a glimmer of hope. There are stories of hope, perseverance, and the victory of the spirit that shine through. These stories remind us that even in the face of all the chaos and darkness, there is always the potential for good to prevail and for the human spirit to rise above the challenges and find a way to succeed.

The last few chapters truly made me ponder deeply. I couldn't help but wonder why on earth nobody ever attempted to persuade Wolfe to write in epistolary form.

These particular chapters were, without a doubt, superior to a great deal of the rest of the book.

Specifically, when compared to the slow and dragging middle part, which seemed to plod along interminably, and everything that followed from The Party at Jack's.

The epistolary style in those chapters added a unique charm and immediacy that was lacking in the other sections.

It made the story come alive in a different way, engaging the reader on a more personal level.

Perhaps if Wolfe had been encouraged to use this form more extensively, the entire book would have had a more captivating and consistent quality.

As it stands, those last few chapters serve as a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been if only someone had had the foresight to suggest this alternative approach to the author.

After returning from Morocco, I found this novel to be extremely hard-hitting. The nostalgia references that Wolfe incorporated throughout the novel really resonated with me. It was also incredibly interesting to listen to his description of Asheville in the 1930s and then think about it from the perspective of a newcomer in the city today.

On page 85, Wolfe writes, “The everlasting stillness of the earth now met the intimate, toiling slowness of the train as it climbed up round the sinuous curves, and he had an instant sense of strange, and so familiar -- and it seemed to him that he had never left the hills, and all that had passed in the years between was like a dream.” This passage beautifully captures the essence of the connection between the protagonist and the land.

The description of the train climbing the curves and the sense of familiarity and strangeness that follows is truly evocative. It makes me wonder about my own experiences and how they have shaped my perception of the places I have been. This novel has definitely made me think more deeply about the power of nostalgia and the importance of place in our lives.

Wonderful

The prose in this work is long and gives an impression of being outdated. It is a rather slow read, yet it manages to capture a period of turmoil in the 20th century. I remember reading it for a book group several years ago. At that time, I often cursed the member who suggested this book.

My recollection is that we had to skip a month because most members of the group didn't finish it. It was a real challenge to get through those long and perhaps somewhat convoluted passages. However, looking back, it did provide some insights into the historical context of that tumultuous era. Although it wasn't an easy read, it did have its moments of value in terms of understanding the past.

Despite the initial difficulties and frustrations, it was still an experience that added to our collective knowledge and discussion within the book group. Maybe in the future, I might give it another chance and see if I can appreciate it from a different perspective.

You Can't Go Home Again is a literary work that holds great significance. It contains 656 pages and over 120,000 words, making this 1,360-word review a testament to its depth. Wolfe's long-winded and opinionated novels can be both entertaining and boring, and this fourth effort is no different. However, the message he conveys through his protagonist, George Webber, is excellent.

This book is complex and at times difficult to understand. The theme of "you can't go home again" runs throughout, and it begins to come together in Book IV when George quits his job and moves to Brooklyn. Here, he becomes a neighborhood anthropologist, studying his fellow man. Wolfe's descriptive narratives are sometimes long, but they serve to illustrate his disillusionment.

George becomes disillusioned with both his hometown and America. He sails for England to write his book, but his disillusionment resurfaces. In Book VI, he witnesses the rise of Hitler in Germany. Book VII is a letter to his editor, where he reveals his true feelings. Wolfe died before the book was published, and there is speculation about how much was written by him and how much by his editor.

Despite these uncertainties, You Can't Go Home Again is considered a classic and a masterpiece. It offers a philosophical viewpoint on life and the "Promise of America." The book's message is relevant today, as it warns against complacency. For these reasons, it deserves five stars. It is a long and unorthodox book, but it is well worth reading. *****

It’s no Look Homeward, Angel.

This statement implies that whatever is being referred to does not possess the same qualities or characteristics as the renowned work "Look Homeward, Angel."

"Look Homeward, Angel" is a significant literary piece that likely holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many readers. It might be known for its profound themes, rich characterizations, or beautiful prose.

When something is said to be "no Look Homeward, Angel," it suggests that it falls short in comparison. It may lack the depth, the emotional impact, or the artistic merit that makes the original work so memorable.

However, it's important to note that this doesn't necessarily mean that the thing in question is without value. It could have its own unique qualities and attractions that make it worthy of consideration in its own right.

Perhaps it offers a different perspective, a new take on a familiar theme, or a fresh approach to storytelling.

In conclusion, while it may not be "Look Homeward, Angel," it still has the potential to be something worthwhile and engaging in its own way.

A classic that has been sitting on my shelf unread for a whopping 30 years.... Why on earth did I wait for such a long time? It is truly one of the best works of literature that I have come across in a very long while. Written by the talented Thomas Wolfe and published just a year after his untimely death, this book is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century.

The story follows the life of George Webber, and it has a somewhat autobiographical element as it delves into the town where he was born and raised - Asheville NC (in the book, Asheville is given the fictional name of Libya Hill).

Webber is a struggling writer, and his first novel shines a light on the town and its people. He then leaves Libya Hill and travels to New York, England, and other places in Europe. However, when he returns home for his aunt's funeral, he finds himself ostracized by the townspeople and feels completely out of place.

The prose in this book is beautifully written, capturing life, the people, and the experiences that have the power to change you. There are so many beautiful passages and quotes that I know I will go back and reread time and time again.

Although it is a long book, it is well worth the time invested. It is definitely a book that should be on everyone's must-read list in their lifetime.

I don't know how or why this book ended up in my Kindle stockpile.

If I had seen the book before starting it, I would have been intimidated by its thickness.

For some people, a 600+ page book during quarantine is ideal.

However, for me, it has made the days merge and become blurred.

Now, let's talk about the book itself. The writing is truly remarkable. It is precisely crafted, intelligent, and provocative.

The structure of the novel, which consists of 7 books divided into chapters, is fine.

The main character is someone worth spending several days getting to know.

Many of the sections are shocking and thrilling, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

However, there are also long chapters of inner thoughts, stream of consciousness, and rabbit hole philosophizing that I found difficult to get through.

This made me realize more than anything else about this book that it was written in a different era.

It was a slower, more patient, and more disciplined time.

I had to struggle with those sections, but I believe that teaching this book to young adult readers and guiding them through it would be wonderful.

I think the ideas presented in the book still resonate in the 21st century.

I really enjoyed this piece, but it is indeed a rather long and challenging read.

What I truly love about this Wolfe (and it's crucial never to confuse him with "Tom Wolfe," as I will never read another word by that author) is the way he narrates through the horrors of the 1930s and the corresponding literary movements. He not only hints but even seems to promise an ultimate triumph. It's very, very similar to Faulkner's Nobel speech in that regard. However, he never, ever sugar-coats the modern assessment of mankind.

I had no idea what to anticipate here, having only read a few of his short stories. I sort of saw the Depression coming, but I had no inkling that he would go to Germany... and... well, I'll just leave it at that. There are quite a few quotable passages and quite a few nightmarish scenarios. At one point, I was even thinking of Tolstoy's "Master and Man." Oh well. Wolfe. I think he is great. He is likely the first author to clearly paint an idea (one that I understood) of disillusionment.

I think beginner readers should be cautious. You have to put in the effort to enjoy or appreciate the difference between him and a truly hopeless, depressing author. This guy is only sobering, not depressing. At least that's how it is for me. It's like Vonnegut. Vonnegut's subject matter is sobering, but his approach makes you laugh hard. Wolfe is sobering, and he makes you question your parameters. People under 40 probably shouldn't waste their time reading this. You won't get it (not being rude, just stating the fact).

I truly LOVED the writing!

It was of such high quality that it was truly a pleasure to read. However, it was kind of hard to get through because it was so long.

The length made it a bit of a challenge to maintain focus throughout. But despite this, the writing itself was excellent!

The author's use of language, the way the story was crafted, and the details included were all top-notch.

It was clear that a great deal of effort and talent had gone into creating this piece.

Even though it took some time and effort to read, it was well worth it in the end.

I would highly recommend this writing to anyone who enjoys a good read, despite its length.