TINKERS by Paul Harding

Selection for Contemporary Book Club We 11/28/12

My post at Good Reads-

The novel is one long flashback at the deathbed of an old man as he remembers his life as a child in a dysfunctional family where his father was an itinerant peddler. 

The book is strikingly presented and is a real 'celebration of style'. The author conveys a strange sense of ecstasy or transcendence, and it's really a fine novel. This is not something that I would ordinarily read, but I'm really glad that I gave it a shot! 

Selection for The Contemporary Book Club, Springfield, Illinois-November 2012

Author was the drummer for COLD WATER FLAT, a 90's Grunge Band out of Boston. His brother was in BUFFALO TOM.

The novel begins on the deathbed of George Washington Crosby eight days before his death. The house is imploding (in his mind), and the book is a record of his flashback.

His father was a tinker and traveled by mule and buggy in Maine at the turn of the century. He was married to Kathleen, and a large family. He had epilepsy, and had a very dramatic seizure on Xmas day about 1915 where he bit George very badly. Kathleen took him to the doctor the next day, and they find that the doctor's house is in the process of being moved. Very startling scene!

George runs away by stealing the mule and wagon, and hides in his friend's shed under a door. This door was part of a house in which a man and his family were found burned alive. However, it was the man, but never was determined who this family was. His family were out of town visiting relatives. Strange!

Howard learns that his wife his considering committing him to a mental institution, so he flees, and begins a new family. He is happier.

The final scene in the book recounts Howard's attempt to reconnect with his first family. His new wife must travel to Philadelphia to visit her sick mother. Howard borrows a friends car, and drives to his old family on Christmas Day. He comes in, while the car is still running, greets his relatives, and leaves in about twenty minutes. Wow!