Book Review: So Far Gone by Jess Walter
From the moment I heard about Jess Walter’s new novel, So Far Gone, I knew I was in for a treat. Walter is an author who has an uncanny ability to weave humor and pathos into his narratives, and his take on America’s current sociopolitical landscape felt like it was right up my alley. This book promises not just a story, but a mirror reflecting the complexities of our modern existence—something we all need to examine closely.
At its core, So Far Gone revolves around Rhys Kinnick, an environmental journalist who, after a series of personal disappointments and political frustrations, chooses to abandon the world he knows. The narrative opens with a disillusioned Rhys, grappling with the troubling reality that “half the country” seems to be on a different planet altogether. When family tensions culminate in a Thanksgiving outburst, Rhys walks away, retreating to the solitude of his remote cabin, determined to be rid of the chaos. Yet, when he’s unexpectedly confronted with the appearance of his grandchildren, he is thrust back into a world he desperately wanted to escape.
Walter deftly explores themes of alienation, familial bonds, and the struggle for redemption. Rhys isn’t portrayed as a conventional hero; instead, he’s flawed—quick to resort to violence and, at times, cowardly in the face of his responsibilities. This complexity made him feel incredibly real. As readers, we are invited into Rhys’s internal struggle, a battle not just against external forces but against the disintegration of his own family. “At some point, you look around and think, I don’t belong here anymore,” resonates deeply throughout the narrative, and it’s a sentiment I suspect many of us have felt.
The novel is structured in a way that invites deeper connections with each character. By alternating perspectives—Rhys, Lucy, Chuck, Bethany, and the kids—Walter crafts a multi-dimensional tapestry of human experience. Each chapter, framed with "What Happened to ___?" provides a fresh lens through which we can assess the unfolding drama, allowing for empathy in unexpected places. I particularly enjoyed watching characters evolve; even the “greedy assholes” of our world are granted a moment of humanity, adding depth to this satirical exploration.
Walter’s writing style is laced with sharp wit and humor, balancing the heavier themes with a light touch. I found myself chuckling—even laughing out loud—at moments like Rhys’s funny interactions with his old love, Lucy, or the running joke about a zygomatic arch. These comedic bursts remind us that amid chaos, humor can serve as a lifeline.
So Far Gone isn’t just a story about running away; it’s ultimately about confronting our fears and the messiness of family ties. It’s a deeply reflective piece that left me contemplating my own connections and the divisions that sometimes arise within them.
This book will resonate with anyone grappling with family dynamics or feeling lost in our chaotic world. If you’ve ever thought about the state of the nation and felt a desire to disconnect, Walter’s novel offers a poignant path back to connection, reminding us that while it can be tempting to run away, perhaps there’s courage in facing what we’ve tried to escape.
If you’re looking for a read that blends humor, humanity, and critical commentary on contemporary life, I highly recommend So Far Gone. Jess Walter has done it again, crafting a narrative that grabs the heart while asking the tough questions we all need to consider.
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