First let me start by justifying why I wrote this article
about a book for a music blog. While this book is not about music in any way, it
was written by a musician who happens to be one of my favorite artists. I also
have a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature that I want to put to use, so, because of these two reasons, I am doing this book review of South of the
Pumphouse, by Les Claypool.
Ed and Earl are brothers and that is where their similarities end. They have different values and don’t really get along, but get together to go on a fishing trip in honor of their father who recently died. Earl brings along his right wing conservative friend, Donny, who Ed argues with most of the trip. By the end of the day however, Ed and Earl come together over gruesome circumstances.
This first and only novel of Les Claypool is a well
delivered story that is not going to
win any awards, but is a fun and simple read. His dialogue does all of the characterization
in this novel, that is, the character's speech identifies them as much
as the content of what they say does. Some of the funniest moments in the novel
come from the words of Earl who has colorful and foul mouthed ways of
expressing himself.
Claypool may have done so well in writing this dialogue
because much of this novel shares themes with his life. Any fan of Primus will know that Claypool has a
fondness for fishing, as evidenced by a series of songs that span several
albums entitled the “Fisherman’s Chronicles". There also seems to be a connection between
him and the main character Ed, who grew up in El Sobrante and currently resides
in Berkley, California. This happens to parallel Claypool’s own living
arrangements.
This novel never takes itself too seriously, with a mix of
comedy and tragedy. While at times the conversations between Ed and Donny may
come off as Claypool being preachy on the values he believes to be true, the
story never lags and is entertaining the whole way through. Even if you are not
a fan of Claypool, this is a good read for anyone who is not offended easily.
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