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Delbert Judd
...the tale is lighthearted and funny thanks to the humor of oddball Delbert, but it also explores some substantial issues, which gives it poignancy and weight. A well-written novel that is an interesting exploration of mental illness from the perspective of a sufferer's partner. -- Kirkus Reviews
A quirky, amusing debut novel about mental illness, religious corruption and the things people do to cope.
At the center of Hammond's novel is Delbert Judd, a charming, if odd, sports enthusiast, who has isolated himself from most of humanity. The cause of his isolation—and center of his world—is Hannah, his beloved wife who suffers from borderline personality disorder. Delbert has become a hermit in his own neighborhood—a result of his attempts to avoid provoking a reaction from his wife and exacerbating her condition.
As the novel begins, however, Hannah has left for a lengthy business trip in Florida, and Delbert finally has time and space to himself—save for the nightly 8 p.m. phone calls with his wife. With the freedom to do as he pleases, Delbert unwittingly becomes involved in his neighborhood association's fight over allowing a new Christian fraternity to move into the neighborhood. He begins to adjust to spending time around people again, slowly becoming passionate about the issue at hand and making friends with his neighbors along the way. Despite these new distractions, there is still one thing that always weighs on his mind—his nightly phone calls with Hannah.
The narrative is an intriguing exploration of mental illness, particularly borderline personality disorder, and how it affects its sufferers and the people who surround them. The book also considers religious freedom and the abuse of religious freedom.
Overall, the tale is lighthearted and funny thanks to the humor of oddball Delbert, but it also explores some substantial issues, which gives it poignancy and weight.
A well-written novel that is an interesting exploration of mental illness from the perspective of a sufferer's partner. -- Kirkus Reviews
A quirky, amusing debut novel about mental illness, religious corruption and the things people do to cope.
At the center of Hammond's novel is Delbert Judd, a charming, if odd, sports enthusiast, who has isolated himself from most of humanity. The cause of his isolation—and center of his world—is Hannah, his beloved wife who suffers from borderline personality disorder. Delbert has become a hermit in his own neighborhood—a result of his attempts to avoid provoking a reaction from his wife and exacerbating her condition.
As the novel begins, however, Hannah has left for a lengthy business trip in Florida, and Delbert finally has time and space to himself—save for the nightly 8 p.m. phone calls with his wife. With the freedom to do as he pleases, Delbert unwittingly becomes involved in his neighborhood association's fight over allowing a new Christian fraternity to move into the neighborhood. He begins to adjust to spending time around people again, slowly becoming passionate about the issue at hand and making friends with his neighbors along the way. Despite these new distractions, there is still one thing that always weighs on his mind—his nightly phone calls with Hannah.
The narrative is an intriguing exploration of mental illness, particularly borderline personality disorder, and how it affects its sufferers and the people who surround them. The book also considers religious freedom and the abuse of religious freedom.
Overall, the tale is lighthearted and funny thanks to the humor of oddball Delbert, but it also explores some substantial issues, which gives it poignancy and weight.
A well-written novel that is an interesting exploration of mental illness from the perspective of a sufferer's partner. -- Kirkus Reviews
274 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2014
151 people want to read
About the author
Dan Hammond Jr.
3 books12 followersCombining humor and quirky characters with an incisive poignancy, Dan Hammond Jr. takes on meaningful questions within the fictional setting of Solomon, Texas. Dan Hammond Jr. attended the Iowa Writers’ Workshop under the direction of Frank Conroy. His short stories and reviews have been published in Fiction Quarterly, Southwestern American Literature, The Tampa Tribune, DFW Newspapers, and the short story compilation ICE. He received a 1997 Umana Award for Fiction. Hammond's debut novel DELBERT JUDD is described by Kirkus Reviews as "lighthearted and funny thanks to the humor of oddball Delbert, but it also explores some substantial issues, which gives it poignancy and weight." Pulitzer-winning editor Stuart Warner writes, "Hammond has created a rich, textured character, and built a wonderful story around him." Dan lives in Denton, Texas, with his wife, Sandra, and his sons, Tyler and Travis.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 19, 2014
Outstanding. Just outstanding.
July 17, 2014
Genius work. Delbert's quirkiness and wit hooked me quick, and watching Mr. Hammond maneuver the character through the normally boring labyrinths of zoning laws was masterful. Self-published authors need more books like this to prove they're not just piles of meandering, unedited crap. The prose is as brilliant as the main character, and the only reason I could put it down was to wipe my eyes from laughing so much. I'd give this 8 or 9 stars if I could. Can't wait for the next book!
READ THIS FUCKER NOW!
READ THIS FUCKER NOW!
July 18, 2014
Thank you, Mr. Hammond for providing such a soulful yet hilarious view of the small town happenings in Solomon, Texas. Fictional or not, this place is as real as it gets. Not only is Delbert Judd a powerful character dealing with deep issues, he's an awkward everyman with a special brand of wisdom that never ceases to entertain. Surrounded by a cast of intriguing characters and a town with a rich life of it's own, I look forward to every new book from the citizens of Solomon.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews