A road trip in 1950’s America is fraught with diversions and distractions in this fantastic and immersive read.

Returning home from juvenile jail, where he has served time for accidentally killing a boy, Emmett intends to take his brother and set off across the state line to make a new life for them both. However his past is never far away, and threatens to ruin their future before they even get started building it.

What could be a long sprawling book set on the unrelenting road, quickly transforms into something more intimate, and satisfying. Using the different voices of those involved, what we become engrossed in is ultimately more fulfilling than a straight ‘quest’ story. Channeling the literary ghosts of John Steinbeck, Harper Lee and William Faulkner, Towles nevertheless creates his own voice amongst this which his a richness and rhythm all of it’s own.

A surprising and often touching novel which embraces the themes of friendship and family, and the importance of belonging.

(review by Cliff)