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Exiled Pacific Northwest resident. Redemption found in Jess Walter's poignant 'So Far Gone.'

Grumpy environmental reporter, ensconced in a self-imposed wilderness retreat, finds himself suddenly burdened with guardianship of his grandkids in Jess Walter's acclaimed novel.

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A grumpy eco-journalist, ensconced in a self-imposed wilderness sanctuary, finds himself suddenly...
A grumpy eco-journalist, ensconced in a self-imposed wilderness sanctuary, finds himself suddenly entrusted with the guardianship of his grandchildren in Jess Walter's poignant literary work.

Exiled Pacific Northwest resident. Redemption found in Jess Walter's poignant 'So Far Gone.'

Revamped Review:

Solitary Existence, Severed Ties: Jess Walter's Stunning Masterpiece, "So Far Gone"

Dive into a gripping odyssey with Jess Walter's latest novel, "So Far Gone". At the heart of this emotional rollercoaster sits sixty-something Rhys Kinnick, a former environmental reporter who abandoned his quiet life for solitude, moving to a remote region in Washington state. Hidden away in a humble cinder block cabin, he's spent seven serene years engrossed in over 900 books and crafting a metaphysical opus titled "The Atlas of Wisdom".

Rhys's self-imposed exile was ignited by a heated confrontation with his wife's fanatically religious husband, Shane. As Shane's unhinged ideologies, spewing conspiracy theories and disdain for liberals, took over family gatherings, Rhys grew increasingly frustrated with the direction society had taken. With the election of the "literal worst person in America," Rhys felt it was time to retreat, leaving behind his daughter, Bethany, and grandchildren, Leah and Asher.

Inevitably, Rhys's tranquility is shattered when Leah and Asher are taken by a right-wing militia. Desperate to rescue his loved ones, he's pushed back into the world he shunned, embarking on a harrowing journey to reclaim them.

Books

From Hollywood Satirist to Steinbeck's Heir: Jess Walter's New Voice

In his novel "The Cold Millions", Walter skillfully tackles proletarian literature, showcasing the struggles of early 20th-century labor activists in Spokane, Washington.

One of the heart-aching enjoyments of this novel is the portrayal of Rhys's longing for a life of solitude and disconnection—an escape that, deep down, most of us can relate to. Rhys takes pleasure in his isolation, withdrawing so entirely that he's largely unaware of the COVID-19 pandemic until prompted by his barber. However, his cocoon of seclusion is burst as his grandchildren reappear on his porch years later.

Distraught by his failure to be there for his ex-wife, Celia, who died of lymphoma, and his estranged daughter, he's plagued with guilt. Rhys embarks on a quest for redemption, navigating a series of adventures and misadventures to reconnect with family and repair the bonds that have been severed.

Haber is a writer, editor, and publishing strategist. She previously directed Oprah's Book Club and held the role of books editor for O, The Oprah Magazine.

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Additional Insights:

  • Politics: The novel touches on the political climate of modern America, drawing attention to the extremist ideologies and conspiracy theories that have infiltrated society.
  • Social commentary: Walter uses "So Far Gone" to make poignant social and political statements, highlighting the cultural decline that leads to senseless violence and division.
  • Themes: Rhys's story serves as a parable for the human condition, exploring themes of redemption, family, love, and the struggle between solitude and connection.
  • Genre: The novel blends elements of adventure, suspense, and introspective narrative, creating a unique and gripping literary experience.
  1. Jess Walter's novel, "So Far Gone," set in California, offers a commentary on the political climate of modern America, acknowledging the growing influence of extremist ideologies and conspiracy theories.
  2. In the entertainment industry, Walter, a former Hollywood satirist, has been hailed as Steinbeck's heir due to his profound exploration of social issues in his book, "The Cold Millions."
  3. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Rhys Kinnick, the protagonist of Walter's works, remains isolated in his Washington state cabin, enjoying his solitude until his grandchildren are taken by a right-wing militia, forcing him to re-enter the chaotic world from which he had retreated.
  4. Walter's novels, such as "So Far Gone" and "The Cold Millions," address environmental concerns through the characters' experiences, reflecting the author's concern for the environment and the culture we inhabit.
  5. The entertainment realm extends beyond movies and TV shows, encompassing books that offer deep insights into human emotions, societal issues, and the desire for a balanced lifestyle, as exemplified in Jess Walter's thought-provoking literary works.

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