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A review by rlaferney
Norwood by Charles Portis
5.0
If you haven't read Charles Portis, famed author of True Grit, what are you doing with your life?
Portis’s first novel kicks off what is to be a central theme in all his books: the road trip. In each of his books, the central character embarks on a quest, even if it’s a small one, in which they encounter colorful characters and danger.
In Norwood, it’s ex-Marine and aspiring hillbilly music playing Norwood Pratt. Giving you a description of the book almost feels wrong, because there are so many strange and wonderful aspects, they seem best served as a surprise. But here goes: Norwood is hired by sketchy Grady Fring (The Kredit King) to drive an Oldsmobile from Texas to New York City. It turns out Norwood's mission is nothing more than a fool's errand in the end and well, New York City ain't fit for a man of Norwood's demeanor.
Really the story is about how life happens through our daily encounters. Along the way on his journey, Norwood meets the second-shortest midget in show business; a woman who steals his heart; and a college-educated chicken.
This book is flat-out hilarious and its truth lies in the journey you go with Norwood. Don't pass this book up.
Portis’s first novel kicks off what is to be a central theme in all his books: the road trip. In each of his books, the central character embarks on a quest, even if it’s a small one, in which they encounter colorful characters and danger.
In Norwood, it’s ex-Marine and aspiring hillbilly music playing Norwood Pratt. Giving you a description of the book almost feels wrong, because there are so many strange and wonderful aspects, they seem best served as a surprise. But here goes: Norwood is hired by sketchy Grady Fring (The Kredit King) to drive an Oldsmobile from Texas to New York City. It turns out Norwood's mission is nothing more than a fool's errand in the end and well, New York City ain't fit for a man of Norwood's demeanor.
Really the story is about how life happens through our daily encounters. Along the way on his journey, Norwood meets the second-shortest midget in show business; a woman who steals his heart; and a college-educated chicken.
This book is flat-out hilarious and its truth lies in the journey you go with Norwood. Don't pass this book up.