So... I'm going to be 33 in April and I've devoured a plethora of great books. I firmly believe that I'm going to allocate a significant portion of this year to reading the most crucial books in my life. "Sometimes a Great Notion" is indubitably one of those books.

One could employ words such as "astonishing", "illuminating", "expansive", "heroic", and "pure" to depict this book, yet it scarcely does it justice. This book is precisely the reason why I am enamored with fiction. Alongside other remarkable works like "Infinite Jest", "The Fountainhead", "The Sirens of Titan", "Bright Lights Big City", and "Please Kill Me", this is one of those books that has the power to transform your perspective. If you've had a profound psychedelic experience where you've had a paradigm shift in your perception and witnessed the sanctity and grandeur of dirt, death, trees, life, and how everything pulsates, and you can never unsee it nor would you desire to, then you understand precisely what I'm referring to.

I'll be augmenting this review as I progress through the reading, but already I can impart to you one aspect of this book that renders it so remarkable. There is more depth and substance in one paragraph of this book than most books manage to convey in an entire chapter. Don't take my word for it? Read, for instance, the first 25 pages of this book. Are you re-reading paragraphs due to the sheer beauty of the language? Are you re-reading sentences because you can't fathom how he managed to pack so much into them? Are you re-reading whole pages to determine if there is even a single, solitary word that could be omitted? Even the minutest details are simply mind-boggling. The way he describes a person with a mustache, with a mouthful of nails protruding as he traverses the side of a plank of wood, hammer in hand. The way he characterizes a character's smile with just four words, and you instantly know the entire life story of the character and how they are truly alive.... Believe it, my friend....

You must go through at least a year of it to have some notion.

You must rise from your quilts early in the morning, without waking your wife or boys, and walk from the tent into a low, green fog.

You have not stepped onto the bank of the Wakonda Agua but into some misty other-world dream.

Masculinity here is presented in a way that I can understand it.

The winters in Oregon are brutal and uncaring, while the summers are hot and humid.

The sheer density of trees, trees, trees, so green, green, green, causes a sense of claustrophobia.

And there is Hank Stamper, standing strong against it all.

He is the embodiment of masculinity in this harsh environment.

He endures the hardships of the weather and the isolation of the forest without complaint.

He is a man who takes care of his family and his land, and he does it with a quiet strength and determination.

His masculinity is not the kind that is loud and boastful, but rather the kind that is deep and abiding.

It is a masculinity that is forged in the fires of adversity and tempered by the experiences of life.

And it is a masculinity that I find both admirable and inspiring.

Whew, that was really long. However, it was truly worth it. Undoubtedly, it is "of its time", which means it is filled with racism, misogyny, homophobia, and a large dose of toxic masculinity. But setting all that aside, it is also Shakespearean. The story is funny, the descriptions are vivid, and it is full of fascinating characters. Each character is drawn with such detail that they seem to come alive on the page. The humor in the story adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it a truly engaging read. Despite its flaws, there is something about this work that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

Œuvre gigantesque, tant sur le fond que la forme. Ken Kesey's work is truly a masterpiece, both in terms of its profound theme and its remarkable form. He draws a vivid map of a human adventure on earth.

The subtle precision, in the service of a virtuosic writing style, gives you the feeling that you have traversed this territory with only your emotions as your luggage. You can vividly experience the various emotions and experiences of the characters as if you were right there with them.

Don't be discouraged by the number of pages. Although it may seem daunting at first, as you delve into the story, you will realize that it is properly grandiose. The story unfolds in a rich and detailed manner, captivating your attention from beginning to end. It is a literary work that is well worth the time and effort to explore.

This book requires a certain amount of effort to read. I first read it in the 70's, but didn't truly understand what all the commotion was about. This time around, I put in the work and it was definitely worthwhile. The writing is truly outstanding. There are elements of poetry in certain parts, especially when he describes nature. This is particularly enjoyable for me as he is描绘 the northwest.

Another remarkable aspect of the writing is that he switches voices in the middle of a paragraph and sometimes even in the middle of a sentence. It's as if the characters are eager to have their say and can't wait for their turn. Lee's subconscious seems to be a separate voice.

However, in my opinion, the book has one flaw. For the most part, the female characters are at best rather dull and one-dimensional, and at worst... Well, how can I put it? Here's an example of the worst: Indian Jenny was a prostitute and a very poor Native American. So, what does she spend her declining years thinking about? Why, of course, she wishes that Hank Stamper would have slept with her!

The male characters, on the other hand, are complex. I still haven't quite figured out how I feel about Lee. Nevertheless, despite the issue with the female characters, this book is well worth reading or re-reading.

*I absolutely love his description of the Oregon rain: "The same old rain, and, even if not welcomed, at least accepted – an old gray aunt who came to visit every winter and stayed till spring. You learn to live with her. You learn to reconcile yourself to the little inconveniences and not get annoyed. You remember she is seldom angry or vicious and nothing to get in a stew about, and if she is a bore or stays overlong you can train yourself not to notice her."

A truly extraordinary book that one devours. It is a family story, that of the Stamper clan, and more precisely that of two brothers, yet with a whole host of colorful characters. The writing is splendid, highly imaginative, with a perspective that is sometimes internal and sometimes external. Our heroes are loggers, sons of pioneers, and they work in the hostile nature of Oregon. They break the strike decided by the large union, and the struggle begins. It is an American story about the harshness and resistance of the pioneers, and a universal story about freedom and what binds us. It's a great reading moment.

This book takes the reader on a captivating journey through the lives of the Stamper family. The detailed descriptions of the Oregon wilderness and the challenges faced by the loggers bring the story to life. The complex relationships between the characters add depth and authenticity. As the brothers navigate the strike and the resulting conflicts, the themes of freedom, loyalty, and sacrifice are explored. The author's writing style is engaging and keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end. Whether you are interested in American history, family dramas, or simply a good read, this book has something for everyone.

4.5 rounded up.

Whew! Finally, I got to the end of this 30-hour audiobook. I had read this book many years ago, but a recent review by a GR friend (thanks, Robin!) reminded me of it. So, I decided to revisit it to see how it would land now that I have lived so much more life. Kesey's other book, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, is one of my all-time favorites. Therefore, I looked forward to re-experiencing this one.

It did not disappoint. On the surface, it seems to be about small town loggers, union strikes, competing business interests, and the strife that occurs when people are on opposite sides of an issue. However, threaded throughout are complex family dynamics, old and new grievances, and the subtle and not-so-subtle whittling that takes place as we interact with each other, shaping our self-view and leaving scarred tracks in our beliefs and well-being.

It was a man's world back then, and this book is rich in testosterone, which might not appeal to everyone. It was also jarring to hear the N word used so casually as an expletive, which is quite offensive and unexpected in today's world. I had to look past that and forgive the author for it. This story takes place in Oregon, and it was interesting to hear so many references to places I am very familiar with. My paternal grandfather was a logger and lost his life in a logging accident. Hearing the descriptions of the work brought to life the dangers of this occupation in the past.

It was a bit challenging to follow who was speaking because different characters became the narrator without warning, perhaps made even more difficult because it was an audio book. That being said, the narrator of the audiobook was very good and tried to change voices a bit to help distinguish the speaker.

Overall, it was a good listen and a fascinating and well-written story.

See the few one-star reviews - I second most of the opinions expressed therein - here are some:

- "Meandering mess" (John Brulli). This description implies that the work lacks a clear and coherent structure, perhaps wandering aimlessly from one point to another, causing confusion for the reader.

- "Quagmire of prose" (Metaphorosis). A quagmire is a difficult or complex situation from which it is hard to escape. In this context, it suggests that the prose is so convoluted and difficult to understand that it becomes a burden for the reader.

- "I get it, you're good with words, but tell the fucking story already." (Jordan). This review highlights the importance of not sacrificing the narrative for the sake of beautiful language. While having a good command of words is an asset, it should not overshadow the need to tell a engaging and meaningful story.

- "It's like being stuck in a whole novel of Melville's two-hundred page cessation of action in Moby Dick." (Robert Beveridge). This comparison to Melville's famous work emphasizes the slowness and lack of action in the book being reviewed. It implies that the pacing is so slow that it becomes tedious and uninteresting for the reader.

- "If he wasn't stoned during most of the writing of this book, I'll eat my hat." (Karen). Karen's comment is more of a speculation, but it does raise an interesting point about the possible influence of drugs on the creative process. My personal (quarter-century now) experience with marihuana has taught me that, if you're being creative, it helps along CONCEPTION and IMPROVISATION, but impairs the mathematical rigidity and lucidity of mind required for COMPOSITION. This is something that writers should be aware of when using drugs to enhance their creativity.

This is one of the most underrated and ambitious books I have ever read. I have truly struggled to give it the review it rightfully deserves, and I humbly admit that I may not be fully capable of doing so.

"Under normal circumstances the house presents an impressive sight: a two-story monument of wood and obstinacy that neither retreated from the creep of erosion nor surrendered to the terrible pull of the river."

The house serves as a powerful metaphor for the Stamper family. They are a family of loggers engaged in a fierce battle against a strike and the unforgiving forces of nature in order to fulfill a contract. At the heart of this story lies a struggle between the older brother Hank, who is epitomized by the family slogan "Never give an inch," and the younger, more nerdy Leland. The very survival of the family hangs in the balance. Among the many other vividly drawn characters are Henry, the patriarch; Hank's sexy yet unhappy wife; Joby, the good-hearted cousin always willing to get the job done; a couple of union workers; an observant bartender; an aging drunken whore named Indian Jenny; and numerous others. These characters are crafted with such exquisite detail that you can never think of them as anything but themselves.

The book commences with a quote from "Good Night, Irene," from which the title is derived and which prefigures the ending. Throughout the book, there are numerous quoted lyrics and musical references. In fact, on page 566 of my copy, I noticed that nine or ten songs were referenced in just a single paragraph. Taking a cue from Kesey, I would say here in this review that I felt the theme song for this book should be Kenny Loggins' (!) song, "This Is It." If you Google the lyrics, you will gain a deeper understanding of the book: EVERYTHING is on the line.

Sometimes Kesey's style creates a unique music or rhythm of its own.

"Clinging to each other in a paroxysm of overripe passion we spun the fight fantastic, reeled to the melodious fiddle-cry of rain through the firs, and the accelerating tempo of feet on the drumhead dock, and the high whirling skirl of adrenalin that always accompanies this dance...jointly trampling my surprise, Andy's shock, and Hank's astonishment underfoot in the action."

This lyrical sentence is followed by the parenthetical "(I have to kill you now. It's what you've been begging for so long...)"

This is not an easy book to read. The point of view and tense change mid-sentence, sometimes separated by parentheses, sometimes by capitalization, and sometimes by italics. At first, it can be extremely difficult to follow. However, as you become immersed in the novel, you gradually get used to it, although it can still seem quite daunting. The form of the book follows its function; that is, the style is what tells the story in the most authentic way. It's all about honesty, as Kesey makes clear in this quote:

"I could now (possibly) go back and restretch those shrunken hours, flake the images separate, arrange them in accurate chronological order, (possibly; with will power, patience, and the right chemicals), but being accurate is not necessarily being honest."

So my advice is to simply hang on for the ride. The tension builds and builds, much like riding up a rollercoaster. You will be handsomely rewarded. By the end of the book, it will be a wild, rail-grabbing ride that will cause you to abandon all other activities as you race to the very last page.

With such heavy material to work with, Kesey lightens it here and there to surprise us and make us laugh.

"...each had created his own elaborate and logical-sounding reason for being out so late, so far from town, and so near the property of their enemy, but when Hank didn't ask for reasons, did not even seem inclined to ask for their reasons, they wisely chose to keep silent, realizing that any alibi or excuse they offered would be received probably without question, maybe even without comment, and certainly without belief."

He crafts descriptive prose that evokes concrete images.

"I crossed the street and entered the Sea Breeze Cafe and Grill, the very apotheosis of short-order America: two waitresses in wilted uniforms chatting at the cash register; lipstick stains on the coffee mugs; a bleak array of candy; insomniac flies waiting out the rain; a plastic penful of donuts; and, on the wall above the Coca-Cola calendar, the methodical creaking creep of a bent second hand across a Dr. Pepper clock...the perfect place for a man to sit and commune with nature."

There is a great deal of craziness in this book. Paranoia, unresolved issues from childhood, and a certain amount of madness take hold of Leland. At one point, there is a long ramble of life truth philosophy:

"But...a man has to get so he can deal with these {Public relations, before he can truly make it. Make it like that...alone...in some shack. A man has to know he had a choice before he can enjoy what he chose. I know now. That a human has to make it with other humans...before he can make it with himself." And then, acknowledging the chicken and the egg conundrum, he says that the opposite is also true. And then, he asks, "But didn't he still wonder if he were really choosing his shack or still just hiding in it?" This goes on until he says, "I walked on, back toward camp, trying to decide if he was saner or crazier than when I last saw him. I decided he was."

There are many themes, such as man against nature, religious references like man nailed to a log, and historical references like Hiroshima. You could write an extremely long book about this book, and lest you think I am already doing that, I will conclude shortly.

Here is one final quote that describes the impact of a life-changing explosion.

"For the reverberation often exceeds through silence the sound that sets it off; the reaction occasionally outdoes by way of repose the event that stimulated it; and the past not uncommonly takes a while to happen, and some long time to figure out."

This book will stay with me for a very long time. It is a remarkable work that demands to be read and reread.

A Tale of Many Emotions and Struggles

This book is a captivating exploration of revenge, jealousy, self-discovery, defiance, pride, community, independence, and redemption. It has all the elements to engage and thrill the reader. Whether you find yourself identifying with the prodigal Leland, the stoic Hank, or the lost Viv, Kesey's emotionally charged yet unbiased portrayal of the complex struggles between family and community, as well as within the family itself, is truly exhilarating.

Through the seamless stream of consciousness, you are drawn into the hive-mind of the Oregon logging community. The motivations of even the most seemingly insignificant characters are revealed to be layers deep. Despite the intensely styled prose, Kesey manages to keep everything in order and deliver an incredibly satisfying climax and ending.

It is super recommended, especially if the idea of stripping to the waist and getting sweaty in the woods still holds a certain romance for you, even as you go about your daily routine in the office. This book offers a refreshing escape and a thought-provoking look at the human condition.

It’s truly a challenge to know precisely where to commence!

I can fully understand why this work is regarded as Ken Kesey’s magnum opus.

It is not only complex but also lengthy, and the first-person prose jumps around erratically.

The narrative is told through the eyes of three main characters.

There’s Hank, the older brother, Leland, the younger brother, and their father, old Henry.

This first-person technique frequently shifts from one person to another, paragraph by paragraph.

The story of these old-time loggers in Oregon, pitted against nearly everyone in their town, is incredibly powerful and riveting.

It is well worth the approximately 20 or so hours it takes to read.

Each character’s perspective adds depth and complexity to the overall tale, making it a truly immersive and engaging literary experience.

The vivid descriptions of the logging community and the conflicts they face draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end.

Ken Kesey has truly crafted a remarkable piece of literature with this work.

Is this the great (undiscovered) American novel to end all novels as some people have been telling me?

Well, it's hard to say. It is indeed a fantastic read, yet I'm quite certain it's not everyone's preference.

I came to like this book more and more as I delved deeper into it. For the initial one-third of the book, I was struggling to adapt to Kesey's style and the way he not only alters the focus of the narrative but also switches the characters, sometimes even within the same sentence. So, one really has to be attentive while reading this. However, once you figure out what Kesey is doing and attempting to achieve, then suddenly it's like a 'wham' and you realize how amazing it is. It reminds me of the thrilling lightning-fast pace present in Cassady's letters or Kerouac's early writings - two individuals whom I'm sure were inspirations for Kesey. You can not only detect traces of Kerouac here but also those of Thomas Wolfe and William Faulkner. I'm certain Kesey read all of them voraciously and absorbed their styles.

Kesey magically captures or endeavors to capture all the thoughts racing through each character's mind simultaneously. Therefore, he will cut mid-sentence from one person's thoughts to another person's paranoia, and it's wonderful because along with the'main picture' of the novel evolving in your mind as you read, you also get all this immaculate internal dialogue that reveals all the hidden complexities of the characters, which in turn provides readers with an insight into their behaviors and decisions. I've never encountered an author who has captured this so adeptly, perhaps with the exception of Faulkner.

Now let's move on to the story.

(REVIEW IN PROGRESS)