Independence Day by Richard Ford Book Review

Independence Day by Richard Ford

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This book was not good. The core story is decent - Frank Bascombe, man in them middle of a life something tries to sell a house, visits his girlfriend, then drives to CT to pick his trouble making son up to spend the 4th of July weekend going to sports halls of fames. The front cover states that "Frank's Independence Day turns to not as he'd planned." That is what kept me reading the book - Unfortunately, that happens on page 361 of a 451 page book!!!

What goes on in the first 360 pages? Lots and lots of nothingness. Lots and lots of words. Details, many superfluous details, including 27 pages on how Frank went from sportswriter to real estate agent. 27 pages that have NOTHING to do with the story! Frank also doesn't seem to like anyone, especially his girlfriend, and his conversations are so convoluted, full of double meanings and just don't make sense.

And by the time that action comes along on page 361 - you are cheering and happy about what happens! Finally the character gets what is deserved! It helps that every character seems fake and made up. They are totally unrelateble.

The best thing about this book is the chuckle you get of Frank using pay phones to check his answering machine!

But please, don't waste your time reading this drivel.



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