My goodness, this book was amazing. I know Kesey is mostly known for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, but Sometimes A Great Notion absolutely blew me away. The characters are so strongly crafted. At some point, you are sympathizing with nearly every single character, deficiencies be damned.
The story and the style at times reminded me of Steinbeck (specifically East of Eden), while the loose, shifting narrative perspective gave off strong Faulkner vibes. And the themes and motifs feel mythic in proportion. And then Kesey injects his own personal feeling into the tale with a compelling mix of realism (the depictions of nature) and this psychedelic edge I almost want to say. The sentiments all ripple with truth and poignancy, but they're filtered through this wonderful haze of off-kilter imagery and personification. Kesey is an extremely talented writer on top of it.
I'm amazed this novel isn't his most celebrated work. Reading this felt like finding a soulmate. Something that I will be surely be able to come back to time and time again.
Anyone else had a similar experience? Is there a reason this one is so under-appreciated?
by shortyrags