Keys to Tulsa

by Brian Fair Berkey

Now a major motion picture, Simon & Schuster presents The Keys to Tulsa , Brain Fair Berkey's unforgettable novel.

This exuberant, boisterous first novel explodes with energy, humor and a touch of the bizarre. Publishers Weekly praised it as a novel of great sympathy. . . . "It's as if the cast of Taxi Driver were to invade the set of True Grit."

Genres: Fiction

412 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1989

Reviews

[Alec Cartwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would appear David Lynch’s 1986 film “Blue Velvet” played a focal catalyst. And that’s not a bad thing, I think it shows the tastes, influences of a writer, and it is not a “xerox”, but certainly very inspiring for the author on this work.

It is a book I would recommend, it has some lapidary droppings, and the characters, particularly cultural commentary are of penetrating insight.

It’s a good book, not in my humble opinion a “great book”, but that is only reflective of my own tastes, and not at all a determination I would ever even think of palming off as somehow objective.

I think it shows someone who really is getting into their craft, spent a lot of time on this, and for a first novel, especially well done considering how many first novels are either seemingly “the best”, “regrettable”, or on occasions “great firsts” it showed immense talent.

The humility of the author, in his dedications page, I think is a sign of someone with wisdom, and this shows someone sincere in their work.

I believe it could even be revived one day, on NYRB or perhaps more fittingly Dalkey Archive.

[James Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting noir. Ends (indeed continues along) quite differently than the movie. Loved the reoccurring theme of Legacy. Also enjoyed the depiction of drug and alcohol abuse. Good explanation, not only of what it feels like but how abusers behave as well.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The highlight of this book for me personally was just reading about the various descriptions of the Tulsa streets. This gave an insight in the city I love a couple of decades before I got there. This was a decent read, but at times felt like he chose his protagonist's drug addictions with a dartboard and a monkey.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, but I didn't care for the ending. The descriptions of the seedy underside of town where Boudreau finds himself are so good you can almost smell it, not that it would be a good smell. And the scene at his mother's wedding reception was priceless, but what do you expect when you take a strung-out stripper in an ill-fitting old prom dress to a champagne brunch at the country club?

[jf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entertaining in its way, but pretty raunchy with a thoroughly unlikeable main character.

[Jack Heath]

Synopsis: Richter Boudreau returns home from university and gets in trouble with drugs and his old flame.