Robert W. Norris Reviews

Added March 5, 2005

Looking for the Summer

Author: Robert W. Norris
Publisher: Lulu Press, Inc
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: August 2004
Genre: Fiction: Historical
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $11.96
ISBN: 1-4116-1130-6
Author Email/Website: www2.gol.com/users/norris/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 6 Gargoyles

Looking for the Summer is one man's search for reality in a world of transition.

Written in an engaging narrative style, the reader follows the life and thoughts of David Thompson, a former Vietnam War conscientious objector. As he struggles to fit his past into his future, he travels around Europe and learns from the life experiences of others. When he befriends an Iranian and an Afghan in Paris, he is invited to return to their countries. His physical journeying leads him to an inner place of understanding, but not without an emotional toll.

This novel will give readers a unique perspective on countries and cities not usually listed on a tour of Europe or Asia. The revolutionary reputation of the lead character opens doors for him in unlikely places. As an American who publicly disagreed with the Vietnam War, foreign national dissenters seek his friendship because of his beliefs. At one point, he was welcomed to an underground group who opposed the Shah in Iran.

The author captures the places and people with vivid descriptions of the customs, clothing and the culture. Each person he meets contributes to his search of inner healing and understanding. The writing is candid and often graphic, yet it accurately reflects the subject matter. The conversations center on such topics as religion, rebellion and politics. The reader will definitely be exposed to alternative thinking about these issues.

David's travels include not only the physical kind, but also an emotional type, which was often aided by hallucinogenic drugs. As he literally wandered around several countries, his awareness of the bigger picture of life and death was increased. In a sense, he was drifting from place to place, collecting fragments of life, and adding it to his collection of experiences. The author does a good job of taking one man's personal quest and enlarging it to a global significance.

Looking for the Summer travels along little known paths in the pursuit of purpose.

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