Another Roadside Attraction Book Review

Coming up with a summary of “Another Roadside Attraction,” Tom Robbins’ first novel, is a difficult thing. On the surface, it’s about just another roadside attraction in the 1960s, one run by a beautiful gypsy and a magician. With the help of a strange cast of friends, they come into possession of “the Corpse.” With it, they may bring about the Second Coming and the end of the world as we know it. “Another Roadside Attraction” tells this story while examining life in America in the 1960s, religion, entertainment and the animal kingdom.

Any fan of creative fiction really owes it to themselves to read at least one Robbins novel. This first of his is a great way to introduce yourself to his style of writing.

Robbins’ writing style is truly impressive. He is descriptive in a manner I’ve never experienced before or since discovering him. While the plot takes a backseat, his style comes shining through and makes reading his work an incredible experience.

When I finish a Robbins novel, I want to continue on to the next! I recently purchased his entire collection, and I can’t wait to read through them all! Each novel approaches a separate subject, with emphasis on a few main topics like religion and art. Robbins manages to offer a fresh perspective and memorable characters in each of his works of fiction.

Tom Robbins has been publishing novels since this first one in 1971 through the 21st century. With only a handful of novels published, each is a masterpiece. Robbins was a student of art and religion, which shows in his writing.

Robbin’s characters are works of art themselves, each a unique portrayal. There are no stereotypes in Robbins’ novels (unless intentional) and their plots are totally unpredictable. Often I wonder if the writer himself knew how the story would unfold, as the plot tends to unravel upon itself, taking on a life of its own.

Robbins’ writing style is superb, and I recommend any fan of fiction, any student of writing, any creative writer, to peruse his work, if only to absorb another approach to fiction.

Though it wasn’t the first novel of his that I’ve read, “Another Roadside Attraction” stood out in my mind as one of my top three favorites of Robbins’ collection of work. (My first Robbins novel was “Half-Asleep in Frog Pajamas” a story told in the rare second-person point-of-view.) Upon re-reading it, it remains one of my top favorites. I still find it engaging and thought-provoking.

Another Roadside Attraction Book Review