Look Homeward, Angel

It took me about three weeks of listening to finish this one, Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe.  A classic read (listen in my case) of the tale of the Gant family growing up in Altamont, Catawba, a fictional town.  The story appears to be an autobiographical account of Mr. Wolfe’s real life “coming of age” story.  The town of Altamont is located in the south and follows the life of the youngest Gant, Eugene, from his birth through age 19 years old and is set in the late 1890s through the 1910s.  Eugene’s father’s first wife died suddenly and he married again to Eliza Pentland and had more children, including Eugene.  Eugene’s father is presented as a sickly man who also uses his share of alcohol but seems to come to peace with the joy of his life, young Eugene.  Eugene’s youth is challenged by that which the youth of today experience... peer pressure, unclear goals, and yet a desire to live the American Dream.  He is convinced that education, a Harvard education, will give him the tools for a better life.  The reader is provided descriptive pictures and the scenery of the place, the people, and the idiosyncrasies of the time.  Wolfe is a poetic genius.  His language paints vivid portraits that allow the reader a step inside the world at that time.  This was more of an experience than a story that has a critical turn or learning.  We learn how Wolfe thought, acted, and was challenged during a time of rapid change and hard times.  Money was not easy to come by, especially for those who did not have a trade, or a farm!  While the tale is not one that provides a turning point, I felt I was dropped into Eugene’s world and was better for it.  Don’t expect excitement and a turning point, but do expect well written and documented moments of life that Eugene learned and developed into who he would become because of the people who were around him.  I’d add this to the list, especially when you have a long weekend sitting around the fire place and reminiscing your past days in life.