"How easily we forget-- we in the business of storytelling--that life was the point all along."
The Lincoln Highway had been sitting on my book shelf "How easily we forget-- we in the business of storytelling--that life was the point all along."
The Lincoln Highway had been sitting on my book shelf for a few months....all 576 pages waiting for me to become immersed in Amor Towles' brilliant storytelling. Could it compare to his Gentleman in Moscow, which is one of my all time favorite books? This adventure takes the readers on a completely different journey in the United States with extremely diverse characters that will linger with you for days or weeks.
Set in June, 1954, Emmett Watson, an 18 year old teenager, finished serving time at a juvenile work camp and returns to his home in Nebraska to pick up Billy, his 8 year old brother. His father had died and the family farm had been foreclosed. Wanting to make a fresh start, they decided to head to California, the land of opportunity, to find their mother who abandoned them years before. Unbeknownst to Emmett, two of the inmates from the work camp appeared and had a different plan, which entailed a detour to New York City. Following the Lincoln Highway, they head east instead of west on a thrilling, historical ride.
Not only can Towles spin wondrous tales, he is a genius at creating characters with such depth. I will never forget Billy's preciousness and the love of his Compendium book, tales of real and imaginary heroes. As you slowly unravel the back stories in Duchess and Woolly's narratives, you begin to better understand why Duchess is a con artist and Woolly is so fragile. I was also captivated by the minor characters that come and go in this 10 day odyssey.
Told from multiple points of view, the themes of betrayal, love, friendship, and joy are deftly explored. I am in awe of Towles' masterful storytelling. If you feel a bit intimidated by the size of this hefty book, I highly recommend you plunge in and enjoy the ride!
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