Synopsis
An allusive novel of interior fantasy and historical imaginings. Horace, a self-proclaimed poet, wanders into a small Western town in search of enlightenment. He spends most of his time drinking wine, taking long walks, and telephoning strangers. He becomes friends with the town librarian and has an affair with her, but remains mired in self-absorption and distraction. A "New York Times" Notable Book for 1998.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 1999-01-01 |
| Size | | Length: | 278 pages | | Height: | 8.3 in | | Width: | 5.3 in | | Thickness: | 0.8 in | | Weight: | 8.8 oz |
Publisher's Note
Fiction"Quietly entertaining, thought-filled. . . . The narrative voice is particularly congenial--cool and unflappable, often humorous." --Washington Post Book World ot since The Moviegoer has a first novel limned the human condition with such originality and subtle insight. A small-town iconoclast who is at once deeply principled and occasionally as absurd as the world he rebels against, Quintus Horatius Flaccus (or Horace) has assumed the name of a Roman poet and has forsworn automobiles, and entertains himself by telephoning strangers to ask them what love is or what they think of St. Bernards. His neighbors in the Midwestern town of Oblivion consider him wacko. This suits Horace just fine, since all he wants in life is "the serenity of not caring."But people are conspiring to make Horace care about them. Theres the dying librarian who finds Horaces morbid curiosity oddly bracing. There's the mysterious woman whom Horace rescues, only to become obsessed with her identity. And as Horace finds himself drawn into their affairs, Horace Afoot depicts the unruly dialogue of his mind and heart with sly wit and splendid generosity of feeling."Delights continuously with its humor, originality and . . . unfolding personalities." --Rocky Mountain News
Quintas Horatius Flaccas (or Horace) garners a reputation as the town wacko, after he takes the name of the Roman poet to entertain himself by telephoning strangers to ask them obscure questions.
Industry Reviews
"A charming, unexpectedly poignant first novel."
New York Times Book Review - David Sacks (12/28/1997)
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