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Harold Hardscrabble
Can a man find something he realizes too late that he’s lost?
Harold Hardscrabble is the story of a quintessential Everyman. Harold is a quiet, charming, hardworking husband living in the suburbs with his wife and dog and the requisite number of children. He is an idealist, a dreamer, like Walter Mitty. But somewhere in the numbing everyday world of work, school meetings, dentist appointments, and chasing the American Dream, Harold starts to suspect he might have made a wrong turn somewhere along the way.
We follow Harold's transformation from a dreamer to a man of action as he struggles to discover how to live a meaningful life in a materialistic world. As the illusion of his perfect, successful life crumbles, Harold finds himself increasingly disenchanted, frustrated, and isolated. Although he manages to cope admirably for some time, Harold comes to see that the American dream, is just that, a dream. When he is finally overcome by circumstances beyond his control, he feels forced to take matters into his own hands to attain justice for the misfortunes he has been made to suffer.
Harold Hardscrabble unfolds slowly as it builds to its explosive climax. A frightening but endearing examination of what can happen to an ordinary man who is driven to the edge.
Harold Hardscrabble is the story of a quintessential Everyman. Harold is a quiet, charming, hardworking husband living in the suburbs with his wife and dog and the requisite number of children. He is an idealist, a dreamer, like Walter Mitty. But somewhere in the numbing everyday world of work, school meetings, dentist appointments, and chasing the American Dream, Harold starts to suspect he might have made a wrong turn somewhere along the way.
We follow Harold's transformation from a dreamer to a man of action as he struggles to discover how to live a meaningful life in a materialistic world. As the illusion of his perfect, successful life crumbles, Harold finds himself increasingly disenchanted, frustrated, and isolated. Although he manages to cope admirably for some time, Harold comes to see that the American dream, is just that, a dream. When he is finally overcome by circumstances beyond his control, he feels forced to take matters into his own hands to attain justice for the misfortunes he has been made to suffer.
Harold Hardscrabble unfolds slowly as it builds to its explosive climax. A frightening but endearing examination of what can happen to an ordinary man who is driven to the edge.
- GenresFiction
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2017
8 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
GD Dess
2 books16 followersGD Dess is an author, essayist, and literary critic. His work has appeared in LARB, The Millions, KGB LitMag, Serpent Club Press New Writing, The Metropolitan Review, Compact Magazine, and elsewhere. He publishes on Substack at gdess.substack.com On Twitter @gdess On IG @desswrites
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 7, 2017
"We live in the society of the spectacle," created by the internet, media, television, etc. "These companies have no reason for existence other than to make money from advertising."
Harold Hardscrabble is one of the brilliant idea men for a marketing services business but has become disenchanted with his career and feels out of control in his life. He has been existing in a 'morally ambivalent fog.' Where did all those high ideals of his youth go, the ones they talked about for hours in college before they became part of the 'system'...the 'status quo?'
Told in third person narrative solely from Harold's point of view, I would call this work introspective and philosophical as Harold examines his life and what he has contributed to the world. A series of unfortunate events puts Harold's life into a tailspin. "The lack of belief in facts has made knowing if anything is true impossible." He is in pursuit of meaning and justice and his rights as an individual in society.
This book is for anyone concerned with the direction in which our culture is headed, concerned with the tracking of our likes and interests through social media sites on the internet, concerned with being manipulated for commercial purposes. "We are consumers in the strategic outlook and balance sheet of these organizations and networks."
When I finished the book, I was startled by the number of sections I had highlighted; I could fill this review with any number of quotes that I found meaningful. Mr. Dess provides much food for thought as well as a few book suggestions for further reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an arc of this important new book.
Harold Hardscrabble is one of the brilliant idea men for a marketing services business but has become disenchanted with his career and feels out of control in his life. He has been existing in a 'morally ambivalent fog.' Where did all those high ideals of his youth go, the ones they talked about for hours in college before they became part of the 'system'...the 'status quo?'
Told in third person narrative solely from Harold's point of view, I would call this work introspective and philosophical as Harold examines his life and what he has contributed to the world. A series of unfortunate events puts Harold's life into a tailspin. "The lack of belief in facts has made knowing if anything is true impossible." He is in pursuit of meaning and justice and his rights as an individual in society.
This book is for anyone concerned with the direction in which our culture is headed, concerned with the tracking of our likes and interests through social media sites on the internet, concerned with being manipulated for commercial purposes. "We are consumers in the strategic outlook and balance sheet of these organizations and networks."
When I finished the book, I was startled by the number of sections I had highlighted; I could fill this review with any number of quotes that I found meaningful. Mr. Dess provides much food for thought as well as a few book suggestions for further reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an arc of this important new book.
November 8, 2017
I wanted to five star this, truly I did. I love reading actual literature and not just popular fiction. I don't need everything wrapped up in a neat little bundle with a big red bow on it. The guy doesn't need to get the girl. Kids and cats CAN die in fiction. Tropes can be avoided and the written word can prevail. I felt like we were headed there at the beginning, but by the last 1/4 of the book, the writing style had changed dramatically.
Essentially what we have here is a slightly more philosophical, less likable "Falling Down," for those of you familiar with the film. You have an "everyman," doing what he can, playing by the rules, maybe not following his dreams as much as he should have when he was young and had the chance, slowly realizing his life is ironically enough sucking the life out of him. He picks himself up. Starts doing for him. Life smacks him in the face again. And then.... the ending.
So here's my issue. I understand the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back situation. It's a great thematic smorgasbord. But our hero just isn't consistent enough in his dependable, reliable personality for me to buy into half of the awful things that happen to him in the last 1/4. This may be because many of them seemed so far fetched and his reactions didn't ring true to me.
IRS issues for example. Money is a huge stressor, and yeah, he should have been fuming and distraught. I get that. His reaction however, seemed to bounce from "I'm not in the wrong, but what should I do to make this right," to immediately, "DAMN THE MAN! I'M NOT PAYING THEM &^%$." I have sympathy for that situation. I do, but don't go into like a victim and then try and act like you want to lead a revolution.
What really killed the character for me though, and ultimately made me have no more sympathy to that vibrant ending scene, was the 8 pages of his blind date where he ponders whether or not to be mad at Celia for lying about her weight on the dating site. He was personally offended. One reflection on this is fine, I get that, but to dwell for 8 pages on how this woman was tricking him into staying here by constantly talking to him really grated on me. I just wanted to shake him by the shoulders and scream, "is your life really that grand?!"
The ending I won't detail. The set up for it, or that unsavory trail of incidences that led to it were heart wrenching. I could have bought into it if his reactions hadn't been so ludicrous. Sandwich boards? He had the rationality to talk to his cronies and seek advice. His kids were there for support. But he chooses SANDWICH BOARDS? And then when he has the heat put back on him, he just basically does a hateful Etch-a-Sketch ending? No. No. That ending was less pages than the blind date.
I'm giving this three stars for the beginning and how much patience the writer had to have had to deal with the character Carol. She was just... an abomination (so, very well done there!). These stars are for the literary aspects that were done exceedingly well. The fun idioms. The details. The lack of quotation marks. The missing stars are for premature ejaculation of an ending.
Essentially what we have here is a slightly more philosophical, less likable "Falling Down," for those of you familiar with the film. You have an "everyman," doing what he can, playing by the rules, maybe not following his dreams as much as he should have when he was young and had the chance, slowly realizing his life is ironically enough sucking the life out of him. He picks himself up. Starts doing for him. Life smacks him in the face again. And then.... the ending.
So here's my issue. I understand the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back situation. It's a great thematic smorgasbord. But our hero just isn't consistent enough in his dependable, reliable personality for me to buy into half of the awful things that happen to him in the last 1/4. This may be because many of them seemed so far fetched and his reactions didn't ring true to me.
IRS issues for example. Money is a huge stressor, and yeah, he should have been fuming and distraught. I get that. His reaction however, seemed to bounce from "I'm not in the wrong, but what should I do to make this right," to immediately, "DAMN THE MAN! I'M NOT PAYING THEM &^%$." I have sympathy for that situation. I do, but don't go into like a victim and then try and act like you want to lead a revolution.
What really killed the character for me though, and ultimately made me have no more sympathy to that vibrant ending scene, was the 8 pages of his blind date where he ponders whether or not to be mad at Celia for lying about her weight on the dating site. He was personally offended. One reflection on this is fine, I get that, but to dwell for 8 pages on how this woman was tricking him into staying here by constantly talking to him really grated on me. I just wanted to shake him by the shoulders and scream, "is your life really that grand?!"
The ending I won't detail. The set up for it, or that unsavory trail of incidences that led to it were heart wrenching. I could have bought into it if his reactions hadn't been so ludicrous. Sandwich boards? He had the rationality to talk to his cronies and seek advice. His kids were there for support. But he chooses SANDWICH BOARDS? And then when he has the heat put back on him, he just basically does a hateful Etch-a-Sketch ending? No. No. That ending was less pages than the blind date.
I'm giving this three stars for the beginning and how much patience the writer had to have had to deal with the character Carol. She was just... an abomination (so, very well done there!). These stars are for the literary aspects that were done exceedingly well. The fun idioms. The details. The lack of quotation marks. The missing stars are for premature ejaculation of an ending.
April 5, 2017
I am not sure how to review this book without giving away too much......... I must have finished the book with my mouth gaping. And my first words were, well I wasn't expecting that.
So in a nutshell, the narrative tells the story of Harold Hardscrabble (no surprises there). Harold is a square peg trying to fit into a round hole, and throughout the book you can feel the disconnect between Harold and his life.
Harold has idiosyncrasies coming out of his ears. He desperately wants to be creative and build his life around his passion of art. However he finds he is exceptionally talented in the business world and bends to the pressures of life (and to those of his wife) and embarks on a successful career
Harold is reluctantly living the American Dream - successful wife, home in surburbia, two kids, a dog, and then things start to unravel.
As Harolds life unwinds, slowly at first and then more rapidly, I started to feel increasingly frustrated, and at points, even stressed about his situation. Harold continues to observe his own life from afar and I found myself wanting to scream at him at points to get him to make choices that would stop the downward spiral.
There is quite a bit of philosophical meandering throughout the book. Sometimes presented simply as Harolds' thoughts. Sometimes given to us a blog he is writing. I actually did not find these irritating (surprising as authors who use their fictional book to preach their theories and doctrine can really switch me off) and at times I found myself putting the book down to think a bit harder about what had been suggested.
To summarise, this book is not a comfortable read. It will make you think, it will frustrate you, it will make you laugh at times. It may shock you at the end, and may leave you tinged with sadness.
It's a superbly crafted book and extremely well written. Thank you NetGalley and Lone Wolf books for sharing this book with me in return for an (extremely) impartial review. A very strong 4 stars.
So in a nutshell, the narrative tells the story of Harold Hardscrabble (no surprises there). Harold is a square peg trying to fit into a round hole, and throughout the book you can feel the disconnect between Harold and his life.
Harold has idiosyncrasies coming out of his ears. He desperately wants to be creative and build his life around his passion of art. However he finds he is exceptionally talented in the business world and bends to the pressures of life (and to those of his wife) and embarks on a successful career
Harold is reluctantly living the American Dream - successful wife, home in surburbia, two kids, a dog, and then things start to unravel.
As Harolds life unwinds, slowly at first and then more rapidly, I started to feel increasingly frustrated, and at points, even stressed about his situation. Harold continues to observe his own life from afar and I found myself wanting to scream at him at points to get him to make choices that would stop the downward spiral.
There is quite a bit of philosophical meandering throughout the book. Sometimes presented simply as Harolds' thoughts. Sometimes given to us a blog he is writing. I actually did not find these irritating (surprising as authors who use their fictional book to preach their theories and doctrine can really switch me off) and at times I found myself putting the book down to think a bit harder about what had been suggested.
To summarise, this book is not a comfortable read. It will make you think, it will frustrate you, it will make you laugh at times. It may shock you at the end, and may leave you tinged with sadness.
It's a superbly crafted book and extremely well written. Thank you NetGalley and Lone Wolf books for sharing this book with me in return for an (extremely) impartial review. A very strong 4 stars.
March 23, 2017
Such a deeply satisfying read. Some might call Harold strangely 'idiosyncratic' (as one person phrases it in Dess's book). But to his readers, each and every one of Harold's obsessions, preoccupations and concerns about where to find meaning make perfect sense. There's kind of a slow accretion of tension built throughout the book... I think this is a difficult feat that Dess achieves well. This tension is simmering, and then simply bursts. One of my favorite features was Dess's realistic depiction of family and work life -- this topic is usually too banal to be commented on, but Dess captures it with a new kind of acuity. I could go on forever about how I felt this book spoke to me directly, and I'm sure many readers will feel the same.
July 18, 2017
4.5
***Thanks to Goodreads and G.D. Dess and Lone Wolf Publishers for the opportunity to receive this in the giveaway in exchange for an honest review.***
Hardscrabble: adj: providing or yielding meagerly in return for much effort; n. great effort made in the face of difficulties
G.D. Dess has given a voice to the frustrated and disenfranchised seeking to be rewarded with the American dream in the unlikely hero, sympathetic Harold Hardscrabble. In this story, Harold is a rule following, average, hardworking man who wants only to have a good life with a wife and children and live quietly and happily. He defines himself early in life as something of a Bohemian wanting to be creative and artsy. Earning money isn’t a reason for living but an outcome of doing what you want to do to earn some. But that becomes the beginning of his turnabout as his wife yearns for the good life that money can offer and urges him to feel the same. She seeks to become successful and climb the corporate ladder and with it, receives the reward that comes with these achievements. Harold seeks to please and appease and also climbs the ladder of success in his field only to find after years of accomplishments and accolades, he is “disenchanted” with the capitalism he is promoting in his marketing career. It goes against the very core of his belief system. He calls his work “a joke” and isn’t surprised when he sabotages his continued employment there. Life begins to spiral from here on. His life turns into a country western song. He constantly questions “where is his life’s meaning?” and “how can he find it?” Harold’s philosophical journey to find answers and find justice in the world will make the reader ask those questions for themselves.
The story takes on many timely themes like corporate greed, relationships, women in the workplace vs. stay at home moms, internet dating, abuse of corporate power, the deafness of governmental agencies, non-transparency of law enforcement, cancer, divorce, unemployment, drugs and alcohol, and suburbia vs urban living. Harold’s reflections and analysis of each is rich with colorful ideas and search for meaningfulness and the snowball effect each have on him as the book concludes. This book has an uncomfortable riptide and will pull on the reader’s sensibility. It is a well-written, honest and troubling viewpoint of the human “pursuit of happiness.”
***Thanks to Goodreads and G.D. Dess and Lone Wolf Publishers for the opportunity to receive this in the giveaway in exchange for an honest review.***
Hardscrabble: adj: providing or yielding meagerly in return for much effort; n. great effort made in the face of difficulties
G.D. Dess has given a voice to the frustrated and disenfranchised seeking to be rewarded with the American dream in the unlikely hero, sympathetic Harold Hardscrabble. In this story, Harold is a rule following, average, hardworking man who wants only to have a good life with a wife and children and live quietly and happily. He defines himself early in life as something of a Bohemian wanting to be creative and artsy. Earning money isn’t a reason for living but an outcome of doing what you want to do to earn some. But that becomes the beginning of his turnabout as his wife yearns for the good life that money can offer and urges him to feel the same. She seeks to become successful and climb the corporate ladder and with it, receives the reward that comes with these achievements. Harold seeks to please and appease and also climbs the ladder of success in his field only to find after years of accomplishments and accolades, he is “disenchanted” with the capitalism he is promoting in his marketing career. It goes against the very core of his belief system. He calls his work “a joke” and isn’t surprised when he sabotages his continued employment there. Life begins to spiral from here on. His life turns into a country western song. He constantly questions “where is his life’s meaning?” and “how can he find it?” Harold’s philosophical journey to find answers and find justice in the world will make the reader ask those questions for themselves.
The story takes on many timely themes like corporate greed, relationships, women in the workplace vs. stay at home moms, internet dating, abuse of corporate power, the deafness of governmental agencies, non-transparency of law enforcement, cancer, divorce, unemployment, drugs and alcohol, and suburbia vs urban living. Harold’s reflections and analysis of each is rich with colorful ideas and search for meaningfulness and the snowball effect each have on him as the book concludes. This book has an uncomfortable riptide and will pull on the reader’s sensibility. It is a well-written, honest and troubling viewpoint of the human “pursuit of happiness.”
November 15, 2017
Great Outlook
Go to school, get the job, get the promotion, have the family- rinse, wash, repeat. Harold Hardscrabble is a story that examines the monotony of the ‘American Dream’, following the life of Harold as he finds himself agonizing over the life he has come to live. At the urging and reassurance of others, Harold holds out as long as he can, despite his constant agonizing over what his life seems to entail, but in the end, he watches his life get ripped out from under him and is left to pull together the pieces with mixed feelings on what he wants to do.
The human psyche is a fragile thing to begin with – throw in the cookie cutter expectations of society and personal drive and you often end up with a ticking time bomb. Harold Hardscrabble is an elaborate example of just this, putting life under the magnifying glass and examining the many mental and emotional dilemma that we face on our journey through life. Focusing on Harold’s struggle with his career of choice and the lack of drive he has for such.
I enjoyed how close of a look G.D. Dess takes at our corporate society, really taking the time to analyze how we often can be pigeon-holed in to our life choices and how it can tear at our hearts. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Go to school, get the job, get the promotion, have the family- rinse, wash, repeat. Harold Hardscrabble is a story that examines the monotony of the ‘American Dream’, following the life of Harold as he finds himself agonizing over the life he has come to live. At the urging and reassurance of others, Harold holds out as long as he can, despite his constant agonizing over what his life seems to entail, but in the end, he watches his life get ripped out from under him and is left to pull together the pieces with mixed feelings on what he wants to do.
The human psyche is a fragile thing to begin with – throw in the cookie cutter expectations of society and personal drive and you often end up with a ticking time bomb. Harold Hardscrabble is an elaborate example of just this, putting life under the magnifying glass and examining the many mental and emotional dilemma that we face on our journey through life. Focusing on Harold’s struggle with his career of choice and the lack of drive he has for such.
I enjoyed how close of a look G.D. Dess takes at our corporate society, really taking the time to analyze how we often can be pigeon-holed in to our life choices and how it can tear at our hearts. I give it a 4 out of 5.
December 25, 2024
G.D. Dess's Harold Hardscrabble is a gripping and heartwarming unforgettable journey through the trials and tribulations of its eponymous protagonist. The story is set against the backdrop of a small, struggling town, where Harold Hardscrabble, a resilient and determined young man, fights to overcome adversity and carve out a better future for himself and his loved ones.
From the very first page, Dess masterfully immerses readers in the world of Harold Hardscrabble. The vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue bring the town and its inhabitants to life, painting a realistic portrait of the challenges and hardships they face. The author's attention to detail and ability to capture the nuances of everyday life make the setting feel incredibly tangible and relatable.
At the heart of the novel is Harold himself, a character who embodies the spirit of perseverance and resilience. Despite the numerous obstacles in his path, Harold remains unwavering in his determination to rise above his circumstances. His journey is one of self-discovery, growth, and ultimately, triumph. Readers will find themselves rooting for Harold every step of the way, as he navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and love.
One of the standout aspects of Harold Hardscrabble is its rich and diverse cast of characters. Each character is thoughtfully developed and contributes to the overall narrative in meaningful ways. From Harold's supportive but overburdened mother to his loyal best friend, the relationships in the novel are deeply explored and resonate with authenticity. The interactions between characters are heartfelt and genuine, adding layers of emotional depth to the story.
Dess's writing is both evocative and poignant, capturing the essence of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The prose is beautifully crafted, with moments of quiet introspection juxtaposed with scenes of intense action and drama. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome of Harold's journey.
A recurring theme throughout Harold Hardscrabble is the importance of hope and perseverance. The novel serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to be found. Harold's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact of unwavering determination. It is a tale that will inspire and uplift readers, leaving them with a renewed sense of optimism and faith in the power of resilience.
In addition to its compelling narrative, Harold Hardscrabble also addresses important social issues, such as poverty, addiction, and mental health. Dess handles these topics with sensitivity and care, offering a nuanced perspective that encourages readers to reflect on the broader implications of Harold's story. The novel's exploration of these issues adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and impactful read.
This literary fiction may very well provide a valuable resource for future Gen Alpha historians studying the realities of the Boomer generation grandparents. Dess’s Harold aptly portrays the trials and tribulations Northeastern professionals endured daily during their challenging middle age.
From the very first page, Dess masterfully immerses readers in the world of Harold Hardscrabble. The vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue bring the town and its inhabitants to life, painting a realistic portrait of the challenges and hardships they face. The author's attention to detail and ability to capture the nuances of everyday life make the setting feel incredibly tangible and relatable.
At the heart of the novel is Harold himself, a character who embodies the spirit of perseverance and resilience. Despite the numerous obstacles in his path, Harold remains unwavering in his determination to rise above his circumstances. His journey is one of self-discovery, growth, and ultimately, triumph. Readers will find themselves rooting for Harold every step of the way, as he navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and love.
One of the standout aspects of Harold Hardscrabble is its rich and diverse cast of characters. Each character is thoughtfully developed and contributes to the overall narrative in meaningful ways. From Harold's supportive but overburdened mother to his loyal best friend, the relationships in the novel are deeply explored and resonate with authenticity. The interactions between characters are heartfelt and genuine, adding layers of emotional depth to the story.
Dess's writing is both evocative and poignant, capturing the essence of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The prose is beautifully crafted, with moments of quiet introspection juxtaposed with scenes of intense action and drama. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome of Harold's journey.
A recurring theme throughout Harold Hardscrabble is the importance of hope and perseverance. The novel serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to be found. Harold's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact of unwavering determination. It is a tale that will inspire and uplift readers, leaving them with a renewed sense of optimism and faith in the power of resilience.
In addition to its compelling narrative, Harold Hardscrabble also addresses important social issues, such as poverty, addiction, and mental health. Dess handles these topics with sensitivity and care, offering a nuanced perspective that encourages readers to reflect on the broader implications of Harold's story. The novel's exploration of these issues adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and impactful read.
This literary fiction may very well provide a valuable resource for future Gen Alpha historians studying the realities of the Boomer generation grandparents. Dess’s Harold aptly portrays the trials and tribulations Northeastern professionals endured daily during their challenging middle age.
December 24, 2017
This is an incredibly well-written book. I will admit, I greatly identified with many of Harold's musings about life in general, his angst, his desires. I found it amusing how much I found in common with this fellow who trudges through life's challenges and happinesses, although the more I read, the more different we became. However, the more I read, the more incredible the story became as well. Of course, there's the saying "when it rains, it pours" and that certainly rang true for this unfortunate man, but how realistic is that?
There was just enough going on that I remained at least mildly interested throughout the book, although the increasing number of misfortunes that befell Howard were a bit unbelievable. Howard began to wear on me like his wife explained it, like "being nibbled to death by ducks" and the ending was quite unexpected. From the way that Harold behaved throughout his life, such a rapid change in the trajectory of the story was quite a shock and I even told my husband about how surprised I was.
I give the book four stars because of the great writing and strangely relatable characters, but not five because it did get boring, and the ending was totally unexpected in an unpleasant way.
There was just enough going on that I remained at least mildly interested throughout the book, although the increasing number of misfortunes that befell Howard were a bit unbelievable. Howard began to wear on me like his wife explained it, like "being nibbled to death by ducks" and the ending was quite unexpected. From the way that Harold behaved throughout his life, such a rapid change in the trajectory of the story was quite a shock and I even told my husband about how surprised I was.
I give the book four stars because of the great writing and strangely relatable characters, but not five because it did get boring, and the ending was totally unexpected in an unpleasant way.
December 20, 2017
Sad, but well-written
I enjoyed this story mainly because I think it has many aspects that people/couples can relate to. These are real struggles that people face, but are often afraid to discuss or share with others. This story captures those feelings of anger, frustration, and despair nicely that accompany changing life events.
However, I found it very sad and depressing. The ending was quite a let down as I had hoped Harold would work through his issues in time to ride (bike) happily off into the sunset. I also found the author’s portrayal of Carol to be a stereotypical description of women that of course paints them in a poor light that they are man-eaters. While I can appreciate this viewpoint, I find it a bit tedious and tiresome. Harold clearly has his own issues, but it seems he is unwilling to accept that some are his fault. Everyone else is to blame, which cumulates into his final act as an assassin, ending his life in misery.
Overall, I thought the writing was excellent and well-thought out. I appreciated the viewpoint, while not agreeing with it. This was a refreshing change from the mundane and I hope to read other works by this author.
I enjoyed this story mainly because I think it has many aspects that people/couples can relate to. These are real struggles that people face, but are often afraid to discuss or share with others. This story captures those feelings of anger, frustration, and despair nicely that accompany changing life events.
However, I found it very sad and depressing. The ending was quite a let down as I had hoped Harold would work through his issues in time to ride (bike) happily off into the sunset. I also found the author’s portrayal of Carol to be a stereotypical description of women that of course paints them in a poor light that they are man-eaters. While I can appreciate this viewpoint, I find it a bit tedious and tiresome. Harold clearly has his own issues, but it seems he is unwilling to accept that some are his fault. Everyone else is to blame, which cumulates into his final act as an assassin, ending his life in misery.
Overall, I thought the writing was excellent and well-thought out. I appreciated the viewpoint, while not agreeing with it. This was a refreshing change from the mundane and I hope to read other works by this author.
November 1, 2017
Harold Hardscrabble is the story of a modern man. He lives a life many people would be envious of. The wife, the home, the dog, the kids…Harold has everything so many dream of. But despite this, Harold finds himself deeply dissatisfied. So much of today’s world is based on materialistic and superficial merits. This novel provides the reader with the reflections of a man who doesn’t want to live by these constraints. After years of doing all society asks of him to be happy, he realizes these things are less than fulfilling.
This novel builds slowly. And I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of Harold’s in the beginning. He seemed resentful in his reminiscent view of meeting his wife. But as I read more, I found Harold to be more endearing. The author does a wonderful job of engaging the reader and providing them with a very interesting, and perhaps extremely accurate, way of viewing today’s world.
I would highly recommend this story to readers who like philosophical stories. I’d also recommend it to anyone dissatisfied with the world as we know it.
This novel builds slowly. And I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of Harold’s in the beginning. He seemed resentful in his reminiscent view of meeting his wife. But as I read more, I found Harold to be more endearing. The author does a wonderful job of engaging the reader and providing them with a very interesting, and perhaps extremely accurate, way of viewing today’s world.
I would highly recommend this story to readers who like philosophical stories. I’d also recommend it to anyone dissatisfied with the world as we know it.
December 13, 2017
Harold Hardscrabble is the story of a modern man. He lives a life many people would be envious of. The wife, the home, the dog, the kids…Harold has everything so many dream of. But despite this, Harold finds himself deeply dissatisfied. So much of today’s world is based on materialistic and superficial merits. This novel provides the reader with the reflections of a man who doesn’t want to live by these constraints. After years of doing all society asks of him to be happy, he realizes these things are less than fulfilling.
This novel builds slowly. And I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of Harold’s in the beginning. He seemed resentful in his reminiscent view of meeting his wife. But as I read more, I found Harold to be more endearing. The author does a wonderful job of engaging the reader and providing them with a very interesting, and perhaps extremely accurate, way of viewing today’s world.
I would highly recommend this story to readers who like philosophical stories. I’d also recommend it to anyone dissatisfied with the world as we know it.
This novel builds slowly. And I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of Harold’s in the beginning. He seemed resentful in his reminiscent view of meeting his wife. But as I read more, I found Harold to be more endearing. The author does a wonderful job of engaging the reader and providing them with a very interesting, and perhaps extremely accurate, way of viewing today’s world.
I would highly recommend this story to readers who like philosophical stories. I’d also recommend it to anyone dissatisfied with the world as we know it.
August 4, 2017
I do not know how to describe this book. The inner and sometimes outer monologue of Harold from college to his 50s and his life, which is fairly mundane. At times this is incredibly boring. At other times I was nodding my head at his philosophizing on everything from cultural excess to advertising to...you name it. Harold cannot enjoy life. He is simply not wired to do so. The ending was fairly shocking to me; it was not at all where I thought this story was going. I can't decide of that's good or bad but overall I just feel Harold wasted his life, which is not, I don't think, how I was supposed to feel. At one point Harold's wife tells him that being married to him is like being "nibbled to death by rabbits." This is a great line to also describe how reading this book felt.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2018
Life didn't work out for Harold as he hoped or thought it would. This book so cleverly captures his frustrations. I so enjoyed his philosophical musings and his diatribes against corporations, advertising, consumerism, the government (to name a few). This author certainly describes middle-aged angst well. I came to care about Harold and was rooting for him and while perhaps I should have seen the extreme ending coming, it mad me sad and took me by surprise.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
May 27, 2017
A novel of ideas that makes you think about the state of our culture and how we function in it and how it challenges us. A lot of thinking takes place by the reflective main character, Harold, who tries to analyze what has gone wrong with the so-called American Dream. Not always an easy read, but an interesting, worthwhile one.
August 5, 2017
Harolds's life story. Starts with him in college and then follows him through many setbacks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2017
This was an interesting read. A little slow to start. I travelled along with Harold from one day to the next, learning more about his plight in life as he perseveres through life's usual travails. A relatable character that grows on you with each chapter. In the end, I found Harold, like the book, to become an acquired taste. I think anyone gen X and above, esp baby-boomers, will almost feel like Dess's work was written just for them. A great read.
April 9, 2017
The end of literary fiction? The death of the art of fiction? That is what one could construe listening to those who opine on what readers want to read today – from publishers, from literary agents, from critique groups. There is but a certain bandwidth, a certain type which make the grade. But courage is still important in fiction and “chapeau” to G.D. Dess for taking the courageous step to add to our declining wealth of true literary fiction. For in his newest work, Harold Hardscrabble, Mr. Dess artistically paints the lives of Carol and Harold, two college students who find the love of their lives in each other, who move into Manhattan seeking the New Yorker’s dream, and who find success in their careers, but not necessarily in what matters most to the heart. He paints not the romantic heroes nor the arc of love conquers all, but the stark realities that couples today battle in the changing economic times we face. And in the face of external successes, Harold finds himself in the search of his life for deeper meaning ending with a literal big bang. Be courageous too. Support literary fiction.
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