Jonathan Troy

by Edward Abbey

From the dustjacket:

Jonathan Troy is a brilliant, beautiful, thirstily romantic, selfish and irresponsible (but never impossible) hero. Despite his youth, he is a born leader who, like a colossus, dominates the people who come into his life, whether they have sought him out or have been sought after by him. There is his lonely one-eyed father whose radical activity for the Industrial Workers of the World leads to a shattering climax in which Jonathan knows his own fidelity has somehow been vitally involved. There is Etheline, whose body is irrestibly attractive - until Jonathan accomplishes her seduction. There is Leafy who inspires his love and alone can discipline him. There is Feathersmith, the effeminate teacher, who encourages Jonathan's sensitivity to the poetic; and Fatgut, the pathological liar, who is foil both for Jonathan's friendship and his rage. In a way, Jonathan betrays them all, but his greatest, final betrayal is perhaps himself.

Edward Abbey writes with a perception that measures the mood and experiences of his characters in every dimension. Beneath the facade of callous brutality lies the real Jonathan, finely sensitive and morbidly romantic. The author never loses touch with this spirit on a quest, and the cumulative effect becomes overwhelming. This harsh, powerful, disturbing story is an extraordinary achievement for any novel, much less a first one.

Genres: Fiction, Novels

Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

Edward Paul Abbey (1927–1989) was an American author and essayist noted for his advocacy of environmental issues, criticism of public land policies, and anarchist political views.

Abbey attended college in New Mexico and then worked as a park ranger and fire lookout for the National Park Service in the Southwest. It was during this time that he developed the relationship with the area’s environment that influenced his writing. During his service, he was in close proximity to the ruins of ancient Native American cultures and saw the expansion and destruction of modern civilization.

His love for nature and extreme distrust of the industrial world influenced much of his work and helped garner a cult following.

Abbey died on March 14, 1989, due to complications from surgery. He was buried as he had requested: in a sleeping bag—no embalming fluid, no casket. His body was secretly interred in an unmarked grave in southern Arizona.

Reviews

[Ben Dutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had only read two other Edward Abbey novels before this and enjoyed both enormously. I had read Abbey distanced himself from this novel after its publication somewhat - I understand why. Whilst there is some fine writing here - and protean hints of the things that would make his latter works so magisterial - it is not always entirely successful. So perhaps one for Abbey completists, but if you're new to him, don't start here - but do come back after reading The Brave Cowboy, The Monkey-Wrench Gang or any of the others.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this Abbey's best work? No. Is it problematic in a whole host of ways? Definitely. Having read the rest of Abbey's work though, I appreciate the opportunity to have read this. From above, you can see where he is headed as an author and I think that is pretty neat. Also, I appreciated the sense of time and place he was able to instill throughout the book, the descriptive quality he lends to the desert in his later works is here in the street, alleys and woods of an east coast town. I also enjoyed the beat feeling and lyricism it carries, similar to Kerouac with On The Road, but a few years earlier. You can also almost see Fools Progress and Black Sun evolve out of this book. Would I spend a bunch of money to own it, no. Would I search out a copy to read? As an Abbey fan, yes.

[Shane · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are only 5000 copies of this book in print and it will never be printed again. Can you believe the library let me check it out?
This is Ed Abbey's first book, rumoured to have been written when he was in his Masters Program at New Mexico. After it went to print he thought it was horrible and pulled all rights for it to ever be issued again.

I have to say I will--having started it and unable to finish it--respect Abbey's wish that people should not read this book. This is not even close to his best work; It's choppy, experimental, and downright boring.

[Milo · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABBEY'S 1ST BOOK. PRINTED IN HARDCOVER AND NEVER REPRINTED AT ED'S REQUEST.

Ed hated this book. It is still his first publication [1954] followed by the even more valuable [$ wise] Brave Cowboy in 1956. The themes in later books rear their heads in this poorly written, sloppy story. A great collectors item which is seldom read due to its scarcity.

[Vern · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would consider it a must read for Abbey fans. It is his first novel, written at the age of 24, not a polished book by any means, but a good story none the less. Those that have read Abbey will recognize his style and appreciate the work. Good character development, passion, tragic.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's no big surprise that Edward Abbey tried to bury this book. It was more of a chore to read than a pleasure. If it weren't available as an ILL, I doubt that I'd have ever read it as the least expensive copy I could find was listed for the tidy sum of $600 and in poor condition.