Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
The magnificent second novel from the legendary author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Following the astonishing success of his first novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Ken Kesey wrote what Charles Bowden calls “one of the few essential books written by an American in the last half century.” This wild-spirited tale tells of a bitter strike that rages through a small lumber town along the Oregon coast. Bucking that strike out of sheer cussedness are the Stampers. Out of the Stamper family’s rivalries and betrayals Ken Kesey has crafted a novel with the mythic impact of Greek tragedy.

Rating : - The Last and Most Essential Novel of the 20th Century
Ken Kesey's "Sometimes a Great Notion" builds on the ever-present themes of Shakespeare as well as the writing style of William Faulkner and succeeds beyond all expectations. Themes of jealousy, betrayal, love, hate, fear, family, individuality, self-reliance, gender roles in American society, and Western Individualism vs. Eastern Intellectualism are all present in the novel and expressed in the narrative style of William Faulkner's "Absalom, Absalom!".

This, in my opinion, is the Great American Novel, as well as the last essential novel of the 20th Century and beyond. Kesey's incredible sense of detail places the reader directly in the wet Oregon Coastal winter in which the story takes place. The narrative may be difficult to deal with at first, but Kesey places markers to signal a change in perspective and once a rhythm is established, it becomes much easier to understand. The novel also gives us a glimpse at Post-Korean War America. Modernist themes can be found throughout the novel and make for some of the most interesting reading in the entire novel.

For those who prefer shorter novels, you will almost certainly prefer Kesey's "Cuckoo's Nest" to "SAGN"--however, if you are more interested in grand, timeless, and far-sweeping themes, character development, lush description, and a great story, choose "Sometimes a Great Notion". This is the novel by the author who could have been the next Faulkner if he had chosen a different road. Do not cheat yourself out of a wonderful read. Do yourself a favor and read "Sometimes a Great Notion".