For newcomers to Jim Harrison’s work, The English Major is a delightful introduction to the fiction of this sometimes overlooked American treasure. Fans will enjoy another boisterous romp along Harrison’s literary highway, although the particularly jaded among them may find the themes getting a bit tread worn.
When Cliff and Vivian split after a long marriage, sixty-something Cliff heads off on a mind-clearing road trip inspired by a childhood map of the United States, while Vivian stays in Michigan launching her real estate career with the sale of his family farm. Along his journey, Cliff falls into an affair with a former student, reconnects with his big shot son in San Francisco, visits an old buddy at a snake farm, and undertakes his magnum opus of renaming all the states and birds.
The pages are filled with Harrison’s usual wit; curmudgeony charm; and musings on food, liquor, round bottoms, favorite dogs, and just how square peg loners can adjust to living in round hole society.
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This is a really great review. I didn't like this book that much, but I also didn't not like it. I do like double-negatives:)
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to my review: http://hawthornescarlet.blogspot.com/2010/12/review-of-jim-harrison-english-major.html
Laura: Thanks for the link to your review. I added it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge Jim Harrison fan, so I enjoyed this book. But, I'll admit, not nearly as I liked some of his others. The Road Home is my favorite.