Kerouac's town

by Barry Gifford

Bound in the publisher's original illustrated wraps. Black & white photographs throughout.

60 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Barry Gifford is an American author, poet, and screenwriter known for his distinctive mix of American landscapes and film noir- and Beat Generation-influenced literary madness.

He is described by Patrick Beach as being "like if John Updike had an evil twin that grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and wrote funny..."He is best known for his series of novels about Sailor and Lula, two sex-driven, star-crossed protagonists on the road. The first of the series, Wild at Heart, was adapted by director David Lynch for the 1990 film of the same title. Gifford went on to write the screenplay for Lost Highway with Lynch. Much of Gifford's work is nonfiction.

Reviews

[Mat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short but great little book that pays homage to one of America's finest writers, Jack Kerouac.

What better way to show one's respect for another writer than by visiting the town where he grew up - Lowell, Mass? In this book, Barry Gifford and Marshall Clements wander through Lowell, on the second anniversary of Kerouac's death, exploring all the little places mentioned in his novels. The photos by Clements are nice but a little grainy. It would be nice to encounter a volume on Lowell with larger, better-quality pictures, but the photos included are still a welcome addition as it makes you feel like you are walking around downtown Lowell together with them, exploring the sites.

What was both funny and a little sad was how most people they stop and talk to had never even heard of their town's famous author. They run into one man working at a florist who is briefly mentioned in Maggie Cassady and talk to some old-timers, too young to have known Leo Kerouac (Jack's father), and too old to have known Jack personally.

The main impression that Jack had on Lowell citizens at this time was someone who was a great football player but a rebel beatnik. That must have made Jack sad, as we know how much he hated the term 'beatnik' and what it represented, a far cry from Jack's own vision of America itself.

This is a short but great book to read. (I read it while I was meant to be proctoring a writing exam for university students - I couldn't pass up the opportunity to catch up on some 'pleasure reading').
Definitely a collectible to have on your shelf too - beautifully but humbly published with nice photos.
Finally, Gifford's style of writing reminded me much of Kerouac's own style. Not just the long dash between breaths, but something about the vocabulary was very Kerouac-influenced.

All in all, a fantastic homage to a great writer.

[Lawrence Maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slim post-mortem detailing Jack Kerouac's move back to his hometown (Lowell, Mass) in the final years of his life. Author Barry Gifford travels to Lowell and gives a first-hand account. He also interviews Kerouac's widow Stella, who describes her husband's last days. Gifford is a gifted writer in his own right, and he captures Kerouac's voice. Of course, like Kerouac often was himself, it's sad and nostalgic. I've read a lot by, and about, Kerouac. I consider him an influence. This short book gave me new insights into the man.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

written by a fan of Jack Kerouac, describing his visit to Lowell, and Jack's Grave, then a visit with Jack's Widow Stella Kerouac and Jack's Memere in St Petersburg, Florida, kind of a sad book, has pics of the various places in Lowell, that Jack described in his books.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an informative, lovingly-written little book. Though slight, it is a must for anyone interested in Kerouac.