Review of The Sojourners

[Heidi Sims]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Sojourners" by T. L. Hughes.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Mid-way through the novel, The Sojourners, its narrator Mike states that “Reading makes you a time traveler” (108). Indeed, it does in this European travelogue authored by T. L. Hughes. Set in the early 1980’s, readers follow Mike Hogan and his two college friends, Decky and Luke, as they set off from California to London chasing MTv dreams of becoming successful music video producers. Shortly after their trip across the pond, however, the trio discovers the challenges of their chase and soon decide to pursue varying interests throughout the continent.

Songs, poems, people, and politics of the 80’s pepper their journey as do conversations with a myriad of other travelers. This creates a detailed collage of the period where Regan loomed large and the Cold War had not yet begun to thaw. The friends find that their very American ideas and ideals are questioned and put to the test at each turn.

Hughes crafts Mike’s voice with a conversational tone that easily allows the reader to identify with him, feeling like a fellow traveler on the sojourn. His casualness, though, does not take away from the depth of feeling found in Mike’s many observations and frequent daydreams. Readers wonder, however, if Mike is the pursuing or the pursued on his journey as regrets and remembrances of his old girlfriend Colette seep into these reveries of his.

The impact of this relationship is obvious. Yet, I didn’t feel that Hughes provided significant background to sustain its importance to Mike. I felt that it should have been developed a bit more, and the numerous names and encounters with other travelers developed a little less. Some of them are more caricature than character. Throughout the book, Hughes presents them quickly and then moves on from them just as quickly. It is a dizzying array which leaves the reader overwhelmed and overstimulated -- much like the effects of Mike’s “spice cake” adventure in Amsterdam.

Overall, I give the book 3 out of 4 stars. It is well-conceived, well-edited, and well-written. Perfect for those who like, love, or long to travel, it is a welcome story told by a welcoming story-teller.

******
The Sojourners
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon