Review by cluthrie -- Call Me Pomeroy by James Hanna
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cluthrie
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Review by cluthrie -- Call Me Pomeroy by James Hanna
[Following is a volunteer review of "Call Me Pomeroy" by James Hanna.]
Call Me Pomeroy is a satirical novel written by James Hanna, chronicling the misadventures of the bizarre Ol’ Pomeroy. Divided into six stories that flow chronologically, the book is at once irreverent, uproariously funny, and, somehow, touching.
Call Me Pomeroy opens right as Ol’ Pomeroy gets out of prison. He seems to enjoy his life, prowling the streets of San Francisco and strumming his guitar, but he suspects his prospects would improve if he became famous. In a quest to achieve stardom, Pomeroy involves himself in a series of increasingly dubious circumstances. For instance, he allies himself with a group of anarchists, not necessarily out of a belief in their worldview, but from the misguided notion that they’ll help him land a record deal.
While Pomeroy is certainly deluded in his beliefs about himself and women - that he is a sex-symbol and that women everywhere are valuable only as sexual objects - I can’t help but feel empathy for this poor man. Clearly, the reader isn’t supposed to admire Pomeroy for his thoughts or actions, which consistently land him in the deep end of trouble, but I can’t stop myself from rooting for him. Neither, it seems, can those close to Pomeroy. For instance, his parole officer, Ms. Jimenez, though baffled by Pomeroy’s ineffectual pick up lines and seeming inability to stay out of trouble, fights in his corner again and again.
The best thing about this book, in my opinion, is Pomeroy’s distinctive voice. Even though his decisions are appalling and opinions on women alarming, I understand exactly where he is coming from. This character knows more euphemisms for sex and his own genitalia than I have ever heard, and I have to give him credit for creativity. I do wish Ol’ Pomeroy had more opportunity for character development, however, as I finished the book wishing I had seen Ol’ Pomeroy learn something new, or change, even if just a little. Because Pomeroy’s mindset and characterization are set in stone, some of the scenes feel repetitive. After reading about Pomeroy and Ms. Jimenez having the same conversation for the nth time, I felt myself growing disengaged. At the same time, I do realize that the tragedy of Pomeroy is he is unlikely to make any meaningful change in his life. Sad as Ol' Pomeroy's circumstances may be, the narration keeps the book light, and offers plenty of comic relief, even through the slew of heavy topics.
All things considered, I rate Call Me Pomeroy three out of four stars.. The narrative is cohesive, well-edited, and absolutely hilarious. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy satire and aren’t put off by strong language. Take the plunge into Pomeroy’s world - he’ll give you a lot to think about!
******
Call Me Pomeroy
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Call Me Pomeroy is a satirical novel written by James Hanna, chronicling the misadventures of the bizarre Ol’ Pomeroy. Divided into six stories that flow chronologically, the book is at once irreverent, uproariously funny, and, somehow, touching.
Call Me Pomeroy opens right as Ol’ Pomeroy gets out of prison. He seems to enjoy his life, prowling the streets of San Francisco and strumming his guitar, but he suspects his prospects would improve if he became famous. In a quest to achieve stardom, Pomeroy involves himself in a series of increasingly dubious circumstances. For instance, he allies himself with a group of anarchists, not necessarily out of a belief in their worldview, but from the misguided notion that they’ll help him land a record deal.
While Pomeroy is certainly deluded in his beliefs about himself and women - that he is a sex-symbol and that women everywhere are valuable only as sexual objects - I can’t help but feel empathy for this poor man. Clearly, the reader isn’t supposed to admire Pomeroy for his thoughts or actions, which consistently land him in the deep end of trouble, but I can’t stop myself from rooting for him. Neither, it seems, can those close to Pomeroy. For instance, his parole officer, Ms. Jimenez, though baffled by Pomeroy’s ineffectual pick up lines and seeming inability to stay out of trouble, fights in his corner again and again.
The best thing about this book, in my opinion, is Pomeroy’s distinctive voice. Even though his decisions are appalling and opinions on women alarming, I understand exactly where he is coming from. This character knows more euphemisms for sex and his own genitalia than I have ever heard, and I have to give him credit for creativity. I do wish Ol’ Pomeroy had more opportunity for character development, however, as I finished the book wishing I had seen Ol’ Pomeroy learn something new, or change, even if just a little. Because Pomeroy’s mindset and characterization are set in stone, some of the scenes feel repetitive. After reading about Pomeroy and Ms. Jimenez having the same conversation for the nth time, I felt myself growing disengaged. At the same time, I do realize that the tragedy of Pomeroy is he is unlikely to make any meaningful change in his life. Sad as Ol' Pomeroy's circumstances may be, the narration keeps the book light, and offers plenty of comic relief, even through the slew of heavy topics.
All things considered, I rate Call Me Pomeroy three out of four stars.. The narrative is cohesive, well-edited, and absolutely hilarious. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy satire and aren’t put off by strong language. Take the plunge into Pomeroy’s world - he’ll give you a lot to think about!
******
Call Me Pomeroy
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress by Gustavo Kinrys, MD
