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Amor Towles
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The Lincoln Highway Discussion (spoilers possible)
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I read it last spring, so the memories are a little fuzzy. I'm planning to pick up a copy at the library tomorrow so I can refresh myself as we discuss. I enjoyed it as a road adventure and coming-of-age, with the added benefit of referencing places in Iowa because the Lincoln Highway runs right through the middle of the state.
Duchess worried me throughout the book. From the very moment he appeared in the garage out on the farm, I knew he would be nothing but trouble! I wanted to protect Wooly, though - in the end, I think he might have been the most complex character of all.
Duchess seemed a bit sketchy from the get go. I don’t know if he struck anyone else as sneaky.
He was sneaky. Early on, he took change on the dresser that belonged to Emmett or his father. I read this a couple of months ago, so I'm skimming through the book now, I know it was a great adventure tale.I also wanted to protect Billy as well as Wooly, but Billy took care of himself really well.
Yes, Billy was a pretty smart kid for his age and he picked up some street smarts along the way that seemed unusual for a kid raised on a farm.
Thanks for the reminder about the structure of the chapter numbering, Steve. I'd forgotten about that and will need to reread some to see if I ever figured it out when I read it the first time. Your mention of Duchess as a Tom Sawyer-like character reminded me of something else. As I read it the first time, I wondered if there was a parallel between Duchess and the Duke character in Huck Finn. Unfortunately, my memory isn't supplying any answers as to whether I ever resolved that question for myself. I suspect that I don't recall enough about the Duke to compare them effectively.
Since there is references to Shakespeare, I was comparing The Duchess to Macbeth . He is greedy, secretive, conniving and actually brutal. Time will tell if I still feel that way by end of book. Doesn’t the adventure take place over a ten day period, maybe that explains the reverse order.
I fell deeply in love with A Gentleman in Moscow, and then was relieved to enjoy The Lincoln Highway as well. While I felt love for the former with my heart and soul, The Lincoln Highway was really just such fun. I love reading a novel when I'm in such capable hands as this author, as a reader can thoroughly enjoy the process and know that everything will come together beautifully at the end. What strikes me is that the different novels of Amor Towles are all very different, something I like and admire greatly. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
I loved Rules of civility. Not so much Gentleman in Moscow . I didn’t hate it but was less engaged. This one is a slow go but I am trying to get back to reading. I am interested so that is a plus.
Good catch on the car clock, Steve. I don't remember our old family cars, but I'd guess they were at the lowest trim level and probably didn't even have a clock, working or otherwise. I know nothing about '48 Studebakers, though - my dad was a Chevy loyalist until the local dealer made him mad and he switched to Fords.
I remember having vehicles without a clock, and using the stick on kind in them.
Regarding, the countdown from 10 to 1 in the book, Towles said that he originally numbered the days 1-10.However, he felt his draft was getting unwieldy, so he decided to use the reverse order in order to focus his writing on including only the parts that contributed to the buildup to the climax.
He had planned to restore the original 1-10 numbering, but he decided that he would leave in the reverse order "because it seemed to me that the reader deserved to have the same experience while reading the book that I had while writing it: of knowing that the story was not open-ended, but ticking down day by day to its inescapable conclusion."
See https://www.amortowles.com/the-lincol...
The above belongs to a section on the author's site wherein he answerss questions about this book. I was somewhat confused by the ending, due in large part to my ignorance of the parts of a boat :-), but Towles explains his intentions in writing the ending at this site as well.
I am interested in your comments about Duchess. We discussed this book at my local book club, and people had different reactions to this character. One woman walked in and stated how she just hated him. My reaction was different.I thought he was the most interesting character in the book. He really moved the action along. Granted that he had horrible flaws and was basically always out for himself, but as the book went on, the author also made me feel some sympathy for him. His father was obviously an immoral, first class scoundrel. How could you abandon a child at an orphanage in order to cavort with a painted woman? What about pinning crimes that you committed on your innocent son?
The nun at the orphanage felt he was basically good at heart and I was inclined to cut Dutchess some slack.
I was intrigued by Duches's moral code, derived after an accountant lectured to the boys at the detention facility. Duchess decided that moral behavior was best seen in terms of debits and credits. If someone hurt you or someone you cared about, they owed a debt. Thus, he beat ups the cowboy who egged the boy into attacking Emmet. He hit the sadistic warden on the head with the frying pan, but only once because that fulfilled the balancing of the books. Neither of these men died. He gave jam to the kids at the orphanage. He gave Emmet's car to a friend who had been unfairly targeted when Duchess encouraged him to go AWOL to see a movie.
Of course, the car was not his - but, - details, details. I remained open to Duchess until Wooly died and he showed no emotion.
No, Steve, the car was repainted by the guys in the garage in New York to help them escape. Maybe someone else remembers the details.
Ann D wrote: "I am interested in your comments about Duchess. We discussed this book at my local book club, and people had different reactions to this character. One woman walked in and stated how she just hated..."I could muster up some sympathy for Duchess based on his background and his somewhat warped ethical code, but I still knew that whatever he touched was bound to end badly. I worried through a good share of the novel, waiting for the next disaster to surface.
Lynn wrote: "whatever he [Duchess] touched was bound to end badly." So true!
Just finished. I am inclined to judge lengthy books harshly, but I gave The Lincoln Hwy 4*. (Means it justified its length, yay.)As to a favorite character, I didn't think like that as I was reading. I was from early on enchanted with Billy's book, and it was my favorite element without any close rival. When he described the blank pages I melted! What a wonderful book for any child, but especially for this child. FWIW, I will agree with "brilliant end of the autism spectrum" even tho I am unqualified to make any such diagnosis. While reading Woolly his mind seemed much like Down's syndrome to me, but of course he could not be since that would have included physical traits.
Here is the car:
https://www.oldcarsweekly.com/feature...
I found that page a couple of weeks ago when I thought this discussion was starting. So having been aware from day 7 or 6 that this obviously specifically chosen car had suicide doors, color me surprised when that never figured in any way into the story. Feels like Chekhov's gun misfired?
So.. Duchess. He raised my hackles every time. I tried and tried to believe that the others' better natures would rub off on him, elevate his thinking to something less sinister, but no. I hate that he died--I hate that they both died--because I held so strongly to the thought that there was something redeemable in there. Now we can only guess.
Tonya wrote: "... I hate that he died--I hate that they both died--because I held so strongly to the thought that there was something redeemable in there. Now we can only guess."I agree, Tonya. While I wouldn't say I strongly believed it, I did hope that there would be something redeemable in Duchess. Unfortunately, his ultimate fate was one he brought on himself through his own greed.
Ann D and Tonya, thanks for the links. I enjoyed them both. I think I must try the Fettucine Mio Amore from the Amor Towles link. And I'll give a toast to all the boys in this great book.
Gina, if you do try the recipe, be sure to report back! :-)Tonya, thanks for the article on the car. It was a beauty .The "suicide doors" certainly seemed unique. I googled to find out that it just meant that the seats were hinged at the door's rear rather than the front.
Steve, it's nice to hear from someone else willing to take Duchess's side. I had forgotten that he insisted that Townhouse slug him 3 times to even the score between them. Good point about the Emmet influence.
This book really surprised me. I thought it would be something like "Blue Highways" but it couldn't be any further from that type of travel book I imagined. Yet it was excellent story telling that drew me in right away.I found that Billy reminded me of "young Sheldon", too smart by half. Dutchess really redeemed himself when Billy, riding captive in the Studebaker in New York, sees the Empire State Building, and insists that they go see the professor that he has been reading for so long. Who would have guessed that would work out? I certainly didn't.
I must say , I am really enjoying this book. I knew it would be a reference to the Odyssey some place. It felt like it. Duchess is an interesting character. .
I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it, Carol, since you've had such a reading slump this year. And it sounds like you might have found a diversion you needed too, Mary Anne.
I loved this book, and your comments are great.When I started the book, I thought it was going to be a fun romp across the country until Duchess brought in the darker thread. I thought it might be like THIS TENDER LAND by William Kent Krueger which is also based on the Odyssey. There are some similarities, but this book goes in a different direction.
Another "bad guy" is the Preacher who is intending to kill Billy for the silver dollars. I love that Billy chants "Emmett" over and over when he is in trouble. Emmett doesn't arrive, but Ulysses does! Ulysses also teaches Billy how to defend himself. When the Preacher shows up again, Billy starts by chanting Emmett but then he kicks the Preacher and escapes. It is hinted that Ulysses dumped the Preacher in the river when he was unconscious - another drowning.
There is quite a bit of humor in the book but also that dark thread of violence. The whole circus was quite funny, and I think that Billy learned a lot!
I will say this again. In the Odyssey there was a ten year voyage. Hence ten days here . There is subtle references to Odysseus voyage. I forget who brought up the weakness of Achilles, but they steed Every person has a weak spot. Emmets weakness was his temper. Duchess was his manipulation, Wooly was his gullibility and child like wonder. I don’t know what Billy’s weakness was. The Sirens were Charity and the Ladies of the evening, but lol, Emmett wasn’t lured by their charm. Lol. The Reverend was the cyclops. I could go on and on, but you get my drift I hope.
This is an imaginative retelling of that 10 year voyage. I loved the book.
Really interesting observations everyone.I was intrigued by the female characters, especially, Sally. Sally was definitely spunky and resourceful. So, do you all think that she was in love with Emmett, or did she just want to get out of town?
She was definitely tired of doing so much unappreciated domestic work. I enjoyed her reaction to the sermon she heard about Martha and Mary.
Martha invited Jesus to their home and then hustled about trying to prepare the food for the assembled guests. Mary just sat, gazing at Jesus. Martha complained to Jesus about Martha's "laziness" and told Jesus she should tell Mary to help her.
Jesus was totally unsympathetic. He said Mary was behaving properly -listening to him was her top priority. She did not need to help her sister.
This account made Sally very angry. I expected she would hold this belittlement of poor Martha against Jesus. But no! The story did not diminish Sally's belief in Jesus one little bit. Rather, she concluded that this story was just proof that the Bible was written by men.
As Sally said:"I am not willing to believe that Jesus Christ Our Savior— who at the drop of a hat would heal a leper or restore sight to the blind— would turn his back on a woman who was taking care of a household. So I don’t blame Him. Whom I blame is Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and every other man who’s served as priest or preacher."
Kindle Locations 1564-1567).
That's telling 'em, Sally!
Ann, it was probably a bit of both. Her adventurous side won out . I think she was Emmett’s and Billy’s mother prototype and that she did not want to be.
Ann D wrote: "Really interesting observations everyone.I was intrigued by the female characters, especially, Sally. Sally was definitely spunky and resourceful. So, do you all think that she was in love with E..."
I loved that quote from Sally too, Ann!
Great conversation, all! I read the book last January and this discussion is bringing back details I’d forgotten. I can say that the book has left me with a warm feeling even all of these months later. Towles certainly is a versatile writer.
I liked Woolly’s sister Sarah Whitney. She really loved Woolly. Unfortunately, she was totally browbeaten by her husband, who controlled Wooly’s life and had no sympathy for his brother-in-law at all.In a conversation with Emmett, Sarah had some interesting ideas about how an overabundance of a "good" quality can be worse than having a vice. It was an interesting twist. She was thinking of both her brother and her husband in the following excerpt.
—Do you know what I find so strange? Mrs. Whitney asked, still standing at the sink with her back to Emmett. When he didn’t respond, she turned, wearing a mournful smile. —When we’re young, so much time is spent teaching us the importance of keeping our vices in check. Our anger, our envy, our pride. But when I look around, it seems to me that so many of our lives end up being hampered by a virtue instead. If you take a trait that by all appearances is a merit— a trait that is praised by pastors and poets, a trait that we have come to admire in our friends and hope to foster in our children— and you give it to some poor soul in abundance, it will almost certainly prove an obstacle to their happiness. Just as someone can be too smart for their own good, there are those who are too patient for their own good, or too hardworking. …Those who are too confident . . . or too cautious . . . or too kind . . ..
Emmett suspected that tucked in Mrs. Whitney’s list was an apology for her husband, who was either too smart, too confident, or too hardworking for his own good. Perhaps all three. But what Emmett found himself wondering was what virtue did Mrs. Whitney have too much of? The answer, his instincts told him, though he was almost reluctant to admit it, was probably forgiveness.
Towles, Amor. The Lincoln Highway (Kindle Locations 7026-7029). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Steve wrote: "Ann D wrote: "Really interesting observations everyone...."I certainly agree, Ann.
I admired Carol's openness on 30 October about her problem with reader's block and her resultant concerns about..."
Thank you Steve for the kind words.
Still problematic, but better. I am writing more now. Maybe soon I will have something to share. We will see.
I did read this book when it was first published. I thought upon starting it that I wouldn't like it as much as A Gentleman in Moscow, but Towles captured me just as much with this very different story. I won't say much more than it was one of my favorite novels of the last year.
Ann D wrote: "In a conversation with Emmett, Sarah had some interesting ideas about how an overabundance of a "good" quality can be worse than having a vice. It was an interesting twist. She was thinking of both her brother and her husband in the following excerpt..."An interesting thought, with a great passage quoted to explain it. I guess that to some degree the Greeks, with their concept of "moderation in all things" nailed it.
Larry.It's always good to see you here.
Yes, the Greek idea of "moderation in all things" is really applicable here. Good insight.
This was a discussion book for two of my book clubs - here on Constant Reader and also for my in-person book club. I read most of the book twice, which is unusual for me. It's a good read and the first time around I was just along for the ride. The second time I paid more attention to the writing.Here is a excerpt that I I highlighted. Woolly has taken the overdose and is waiting for it to take effect. Towles has already established that Woolly's family used to entertain themselves with jigsaw puzzles on raining days. Woolly thinks back to those pleasant times
Wouldn’t it have been wonderful, thought Woolly, if everybody’s life was like a piece in a jigsaw puzzle. Then no one person’s life would ever be an inconvenience to anyone else’s. It would just fit snugly in its very own, specially designed spot, and in so doing, would enable the whole intricate picture to become complete.
(Kindle Locations 7090-7094).
Now I realize that a guy like Woolly would probably not be capable of expressing such thoughts, but I am sure that he knew the feelings behind them. I really liked the jigsaw image.
Lynn wrote: "Good catch on the car clock, Steve. I don't remember our old family cars, but I'd guess they were at the lowest trim level and probably didn't even have a clock, working or otherwise. I know nothin..."This daughter of an autoparts salesman had to check. YES ... the 1948 Studebaker Land Cruiser had a dashboard clock.
You can buy one on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/125009662326
This also reminds me of a story of my father as a younger man. He was out of the Army (served in WW2) and had purchased a new car. He was giving his dad (my grandfather) a ride. Grandpa pulled out a cigarette and searched his pockets for matches. Daddy said, "No, Pa, look ..." and pressed in the cigarette lighter, then handing it to his father to light his cigarette.
Grandpa lit the cigarette, shook the lighter to put out the ember, and tossed it out the window!
Daddy slammed on the brakes and spent a fruitless hour searching the side of the road for the lighter without success.
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A Gentleman in Moscow (other topics)A Gentleman in Moscow (other topics)
The Lincoln Highway (other topics)
A Gentleman in Moscow (other topics)
I wonder why the obsession with the car. Is it because he knows it is his escape?
What did you think of Wooly and the Duchess? I can’t get O Brother Where Art Thou out of my mind, and the comparison to the Odyssey . So I will see where this (ahem )road takes me.