Even with my allergy to philosophy, I’ll admit I was greatly looking forward to this book. The title alone seems terribly curious and the little I’d read about it (so as not to spoil myself) only made me more convinced that this was an amazing book.
I was not disappointed.
The story, and it’s a good one, neatly frames the authors’ ideas concerning the nature of reality and attitudes towards the world. A road trip across America allows the protagonist, his son and some close family friends time to discuss many aspects of existence and the differing viewpoints they all hold. Most strikingly, this seems to be divided into classical and romantic mindsets – neither of which, it is strongly hinted, can appreciate all aspects of life fully. A new view is needed to totally grasp the quality of life.
Interspersed with these conversations is the tale of the protagonists past, his madness and awkward relationship with his son. The trip fufils a kind of spiritual journey which ends, for the most part, in reconciliation and concordance.
Rating: 
