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Page Modified: February 13, 2008

 

 

 

 

· Bibliographic citation:

· Author: Robert W. Norris
· Title: Looking for the Summer
· Publisher: Lulu Press
· Publication Date: August 2004
· ISBN: 1-4116-1130-6
· $11.96
· # pages: 158
· Genre: (if applicable) Adventure/Expatriate Fiction

· Description:
David Thompson is a former Vietnam War conscientious objector in Paris on a quest to find himself in the early days of 1977. When he befriends an Iranian and an Afghan and is invited to return with them to their countries, his quest slowly becomes a descent into his own private hell. On the road from Europe to the East he encounters Kurdish bandits in the eastern mountains of Turkey, becomes involved with an underground group opposed to the Shah in Iran, escapes to Afghanistan, passes through Pakistan during the uprising against the Bhutto regime, and suffers extreme sickness on the streets of Delhi
and Calcutta. Although continually searching for the happiness and identity he could not find in the U.S., he cannot easily shed his American past. Throughout the journey he is hounded by the demons of memory, particularly that of his father, a World War II hero who disowned David and died while David was still in prison. The journey itself becomes a physical manifestation of his struggle to achieve reconciliation with his own conscience.

This picaresque novel is interspersed with a multitude of characters whose philosophical, political, and religious opinions influence David greatly in his search. It is rich with the fascination of adventure in countries not easily accessible anymore to Westerners, vibrant with its diversity of characters, and graphic in its descriptions of poverty, death, and disease. Looking for the Summer is a remarkable adventure story of a man about to lose his youth and find his true self in ancient lands.

· Review Quotes/Appeal Factors:
"A graceful autobiographical novel that breathes life into a
perennial genre: the spiritual 'bildungsroman.' The theme of a
questing expatriate who renounces Western materialism in favor of an exotic pilgrimage to the East will be familiar to anyone who has fallen under the spell of W. Somerset Maugham's 'The Razor's Edge' or Jack Kerouac's 'The Dharma Bums'....

"Although published prior to the events of 9/11, it is impossible to
pick up Norris's novel without a heightened interest in its vividly
depicted locales in a part of the world where our attentions are now so intensely focused. Several fascinating chapters are devoted to [the protagonist's] stay in Afghanistan. Written with a novelist's eye for characterization and a reporter's skill for observation, 'Looking for the Summer' is the kind of small press gem that is often overlooked but is well worth seeking out." -- CultureVulture.net

"In the hands of any author, 'Looking for the Summer' would probably be a compelling read due to the inherent intrigue in the story's setting. But Norris is a masterful writer and storyteller, and he uses his craft to elevate this tale above mere 'compelling' or
'interesting' to the realm of uplifting and insightful. He deftly
paints a portrait of his locations using a visual poetry that is
neither self-conscious nor affected.... This is a fascinating novel,
told in spellbinding English. I can't recommend it enough." --
Alternative Approaches Magazine

"'Looking for the Summer' brings to light the turmoil going through
the mind of a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War ... a
powerfully written novel.... Highly important in its message about
standing up for what one believes and about the personal growth one experiences while on a soul-searching journey as a result of taking such action ... certain to have a profound impact on the reader. It is a must-read, unforgettable novel." -- Knowbetter.com

"'Looking for the Summer' is a stunning novel of a metaphorical and physical journey across the Middle East. Though set during the 1970s, this story of war and pacifism and redemption is as pertinent to today's global struggles as tomorrow's news. Fashioned in exquisite language and bolstered with some of the most beautiful descriptive passages I've ever read, 'Looking for the Summer' takes us on a voyage over deserts and mountains and through cities as the protagonist pursues spiritual, intellectual, political, and psychological enlightenment. This is a remarkable book and a must read for anyone seeking insight into the historical precedents for our post September 11 world." -- Marnie Mueller, author of "Green Fires," "The Climate of the Country," and "My Mother's Island"

· What is it about this book that would appeal to a reader?
Two things, I think. One is the reader can travel vicariously to
countries that are difficult for westerners to enter these days --
i.e., Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The second is that
although there is no longer a draft, the issue of conscientious
objection to war is as important today as it was during the Vietnam War.

· What other books are like it?
There aren't many novels that have a conscientious objector as the protagonist. The only ones I can think of are Marnie Mueller's "The Climate of the Country" and David James Duncan's "The Brothers K."

· What does this work have in common with other works in the same genre?
The antiwar theme and the expatriate's search for identity and a
place to call home.

· How is this work different from other works in the same genre?
Much of the drama takes place inside the main character's head.

· What would you like readers to know about you/your work?
A good portion of my writing stems from real experience. I like to
take the basic facts, then embellish them for dramatic purpose.

A brief bio: In 1969 I entered the Air Force, subsequently became a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, and served time in a
military prison for refusing to fight in the war. In my twenties I
roamed across the United States, went to Europe twice, and made one journey around the world. During that time, I worked as a millhand, construction laborer, stevedore, baker, saute cook, and oil rig steward. I've lived and taught English in Japan since 1983. My wife and I live near Fukuoka, Japan, where I'm a professor and dean of students at Fukuoka International University.

· What's next, what can readers look forward to in the future?
I've just finished a novel that I call part homage to Hermann Hesse and Malcolm Lowry, part mushroom retrospective, and part expatriate love story with a strong element of magic realism.

· Suggested reading (viewing, listening) - what have you liked, disliked recently?
Recently, I've been reading quite a bit of Japanese literature in
translation -- writers like Abe Kobo, Dazai Osamu, and Oda Makoto. For inspiration, I always return to Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac, and Thomas Wolfe.

· Links – author or publisher website, etc.
http://www2.gol.com/users/norris/ http://www.lulu.com/robertnorris

· Anything you'd like to ask readers? Please include email address so readers may contact you directly.
Please support independent bookstores.
norris@gol.com

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