Long held as one of the defining works of the "Beat" era in literature, Jack Kerouac's On the Road is a novel I intended to explore for many years, but for whatever reason continually chose not to. The concept of the novel fascinated me, and I tend to like the idea that the Beat generation felt unbound by many of the barriers in literature prior to that, and the free-flow styling of the language reminiscent to jazz is one that I enjoy. The desire to not strictly adhere to an expected literary structure I feel can sometimes make more honest, naturalistic writing than say, stubbornly intending to have every line follow the laws of iambic pentameter. What I discovered after reading the book is that while I liked it, I didn't love it. Not that it is a weak novel; the craftsmanship throughout is great, and I love the way most of the prose is presented, and there are elements of the book I genuinely do adore. At the same time, I can't claim quite as much admiration for the work as others have.Overview
On the Road is practically the most logical title this book could possess, because at its core its a road trip story, or to put it more accurately, a story detailing 4 particular road trips. The story that unfolds is based on actual events involving the author and his close friend Neal Cassady (whose names in the novel are changed to Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarity, at the request of his then publisher), and there cross-country travels. Throughout the course of the story Sal tries to broaden his horizons through a series of incidents and life experiences often provoked and orchestrated by Dean, an out-of-control, flamboyant, wild embodiment of the Beat ethos. The story is somewhat of an unorthodox coming of age and details the bizarre directions friendship can often lead.
What I Enjoyed
Dean Moriarity. Granted, he is not the only quality part of the book (I'll get to those in a moment), but he is easily the most fascinating character in the book, and in some ways could be considered the hero of the novel (or an unrelentingly pathetic figure, which is probably just as competent a perception). Dean makes a lot of choices that can be considered reprehensible. As he mentions near the conclusion of the novel, "you spend your whole life of non-interference with the wishes of others, including politicians, and the rich, and nobody bothers you, and you cut along and make it your own way". The genius of the character is that no matter how manipulative and self-absorbed Dean is, he still manages to be consistently endearing and lovable as a character. I also love the commentary on friendship throughout the novel; despite what transgressions those close to you have committed, the fact that they have been so inter-weaved with such important and profound moments of your life somehow leaves an indelible impact on you and a host of fond memories. I also enjoyed the free-flowing style of the writing (which I heard in its original format, written on a monstrously long, single spaced scroll, was even more so).
What I Didn't Agree With
Despite the book being admittedly strong and for the most part entertaining, there are certainly moments where the story feels very sluggish, especially moments in the first two travels documented in the book. Some of the rapid and spontaneous way in which Sal travels feels somewhat jarring when you are reading, and despite the fact that this is apparently accurate to what actually occurred (as this is a memoir in a way as well), it doesn't always make for engaging material. One of the books greatest strength as well is also somewhat of a weakness; Dean's outlandish antics were seen as heroic and independent through the eyes of the Beat moment, and I certainly can respect and admire that, but I can also see how people would think its tragically pathetic. Once again, I can't commit to which view I personally uphold, but both have their merits.
Does it Belong On the List?
Certainly. Whether you enjoy the content or not, the writing style definitely did provide new opportunities and explorations of content that were not considered as accessible before. Also, the Beat movement absolutely deserves to be represented on this listing, and since this is considered one of the pinnacles of that period it is only fair it is included.
Next on the List
I can't say for certain, but I believe I will be reading George Orwell's 1984 next, a book that I have read before and loved but not revisited since my high school years.
