The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles | Book Review

TL;DR

The review discusses the characters and themes of Amor Towles' third novel, "The Lincoln Highway," highlighting its character-driven narrative and philosophical elements.

Transcript

hi guys olive here here today to review the lincoln highway by amortols this book was published in 2021 by viking which is owned by penguin random house the hardcover of this book comes in at 592 pages however i read an advanced copy of this book that i received for free for reviewing purposes through open letters review the online literary journal... Read More

Key Insights

• 😫 "The Lincoln Highway" is a character-driven novel set in 1954, following Emmett Watson and his brother Billy on their journey from Nebraska to California.
• ✍️ Amor Towles' strengths as an author include impeccable writing, deep character development, and the weaving together of multiple themes.
• 💀 The book explores the complexities of father-son relationships, the importance of literature, and the allure and dangers of embarking on a journey.
• 😥 While some readers may find the character-driven narrative satisfying, others may be disappointed by the lack of a well-plotted story and unresolved threads.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main objective of Emmett and Billy's journey to California?

Emmett plans to find their long-lost mother while allowing Billy to continue dreaming of their reunion, even if doubtful. California is seen as a fresh start for both of them.

Q: What makes Duchess and Wooly different from Emmett and Billy?

Duchess is a larger-than-life character with a self-serving nature, while Wooly is mentally immature and childlike. Despite their differences, both characters play significant roles in the novel.

Q: How does the book compare to Amor Towles' previous novels, "Rules of Civility" and "A Gentleman in Moscow"?

"The Lincoln Highway" is a character-driven novel, similar to "A Gentleman in Moscow," and focuses on character development rather than a well-thought-out plot. However, it is darker and not as relaxing as "A Gentleman in Moscow."

Q: What are the major themes in the book?

The major themes include the idea of a journey starting with liberation, the dangers and lessons of leaving home, and the promise of the end of a long journey. Literature and references to classics like "The Odyssey" are also prevalent.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "The Lincoln Highway" is set in 1954 and follows 18-year-old Emmett Watson's return to Nebraska after serving time in a prison farm. He plans to head to California with his younger brother Billy to find their long-lost mother.

• Duches and Wooly, two of Emmett's former prison mates, ask him to drive them to New York to claim an inheritance. Reluctantly, Emmett agrees, and along with Billy, they embark on a journey with their own personal objectives.

• The book explores themes of liberation, the dangers of the road, the complexities of father-son relationships, and the importance of literature.