From a Distant Place

by Don Carpenter

In his ninth novel, Don Carpenter returns to golden Marin County where "The American Dream" is ardently pursued. Writing in a voice that is local, true, and cinematic Carpenter invites us to see how this half lives--people from the suburbs; neighborhoods of ranch-style houses with faux shutters, groomed lawns, no sidewalks. FROM A DISTANT PLACE tells the story of the Jeminovski family, four souls orbiting each other, never making contact. There is Jackie, who at forty-five is the envy of her neighbors; her former husband Steven, a pleasure-related injuries lawyer in Southern California; and their two children, Derek and Diedre. Beyond the facade of "having arrived," the Jeminovskis struggle to find meaning in their lives.

FROM A DISTANT PLACE makes a powerful statement about the complacency of the modern American suburb, the daily horrors of apathy, and the evils of disinterest. It is the story of a middle-aged woman learning to save her own life, and her son Derek, who must make up a life for himself. Don Carpenter has written a tale of disconnected lives filled with moments of grace and humanity, moments of humor, and a few small moments of epiphany.

(from front jacket flap)

Genres: Fiction

230 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1988

About the author

Don Carpenter was an American writer, best known as the author of Hard Rain Falling. He wrote numerous novels, novellas, short stories and screenplays over the course of a 22-year career that took him from a childhood in Berkeley and the Pacific Northwest to the corridors of power and ego in Hollywood. A close observer of human frailty, his writing depicted marginal characters like pool sharks, prisoners and drug dealers, as well as movie moguls and struggling actors. Although lauded by critics and fellow writers alike, Carpenter's novels and stories never reached a mass audience and he supported himself with extensive work for Hollywood. Facing a mounting series of debilitating illnesses, Don Carpenter committed suicide in 1995.

Reviews

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgettable novel. A real masterpiece.

[Boaz Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not Hard Rain Falling but its just as visceral. Easily the best book I have read this year and while I didn't need more proof, it's another strong example of why Don Carpenter is one of Americas greatest.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an easy, clear voice with such well drawn characters and involving stories

[PhattandyPDX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great writer. One the best reads in years, and one of Portland’s best kept secrets.

[Nick LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Don Carpenter is one of the most skillful writers I have ever encountered. His prose is light and smooth. Unflashy but evocative, clean and simple without being stern. This book is beautifully written, so beautifully written that at first you may not even notice quite how good it is. The character and setting work is astounding. Understated, pitch perfect, never an ounce too little or too much. You are immediately right there in the story, instantly transported. There are elements of family drama, comedy, crime, existentialism, and all the while it is a crystal clear portrait of a specific, and specifically American, time and place. I can't say enough good about this book. I was really blown away.

The fact that this hasn't been adapted to television or film is unbelievable. If I were a screenwriter this would go right to the top of my list (right behind the wildly different behind the Robert E Howard story Tower of the Elephant). If you are a fan of American literature, this is a must-read.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milton