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Sam Patch Ballad of a Jumping Man

Black Swan 1988 trade edition 1st paperback, fine In stock shipped from our UK warehouse

432 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1986

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William Getz

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5 stars
9 (69%)
4 stars
3 (23%)
3 stars
1 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Phillip.
335 reviews
March 15, 2019
Upon rereading “Sam Patch” after a thirty year hiatus, I am reminded what a gem of American literature this novel is. William Getz has a great feel for portraying the post-colonial roughness of a nation trying to find its footing. With Davy Crockett in Congress and Andrew Jackson running for President, the titular character fits right in as he boldly proves that he can make a future for himself doing what he does best, that being leaping off of high waterfalls and surviving. While the rough hewn humor of the tale might seem a bit too raucous for some readers, Mr. Getz provides the right voice to accurately comment on the surrounding events. His adroit insight is so spot on that the reader doesn’t flinch at the realization that narrator is an American Black Bear. I am definitively looking forward to reading it again in another 30 years.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
400 reviews
July 30, 2011
One of my all-time favorite books. I have recommended it to lots of people.

It's charmingly narrated by a black bear with a philosophical bent. It's about his relationship with Sam Patch, a man of no particular career, who eventually falls into his life's work of jumping off tall things in front of crowds.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews