The Lay of the Land

This book could be titled "Frank Bascombe Returns." We've met Frank before. He was a sportswriter; he's now a realtor. He is 55 years old, he has prostate cancer, his second wife has flown the coop, he's looking for meaning in his life and he's preparing for a difficult family Thanksgiving with his two children and their "significant others". There is lots of talk (too much) about Jersey real estate and the election that serves as a backdrop to the novel (Frank has an endearing hate-on for Bush Jr.). He also has a bit of a mean streak - he harbours a critical opinion of almost everyone who crosses his path during the course of the novel, especially his son. Paul was always a disappointment to Frank (those who read Ford's Independence Day will remember their dysfunctional relationship) but their interaction is the most interesting feature of this novel. His colleague, his clients, his neighbours, his ex-wife, servers at various bars and the denizens therein, none escape Frank's sharp but cruel eye. However he does cut his daughter and her lesbian lover some slack. He is also very forgiving of his present/absent wife who, in my opinion, deserves the cold shoulder. The book is well crafted and made me laugh out loud at times but it seemed too friggin' long, a lot of cud chewing that could have been omitted. Perhaps Ford's editors are in such awe of his undeniable talent that they hesitate to cut as much as a syllable. Nonetheless, I recommend it.