It’s Never Too Late to Have A Happy Childhood

Still Life with Woodpecker

C.W.Morton

Aug 18, 2024

Source : https://csmillerbooks.com/product/still-life-with-woodpecker-by-tom-robbins/

Tom Robbins’ Still Life with Woodpecker is a “Sort of love story” that takes place inside a pack of Camel cigarettes and the entire thing reads like it was written on a cocaine-fueled bender, but it might just be the most witty and insanely engaging dialogue I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

It is…. brilliant.

I’m not usually one for reading any kind of romantic comedy, but reading the work of Tom Robbins is like a vacation for your brain.

More than a few top-shelf quotes from this book are burned into my memory forever.

“It was autumn, the springtime of death.”

“Red hair is caused by sugar and lust”

“It’s never too late to have a happy childhood”

He also manages to be express something deep and profound while using the quirkiest of literary devices. The book is sometimes described as “a post-modern fairy tale” and it persistently tackles the theme of “how to make love stay”.

“Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won’t adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is to sign on as its accomplice. Instead of vowing to honor and obey, maybe we should swear to aid and abet. That would mean that security is out of the question. The words “make” and “stay” become inappropriate. My love for you has no strings attached. I love you for free.”

I only learned of this author’s existence because he is a local up here in Washington state, and an ex girlfriend used to love his books. She insisted I read one. I almost didn’t, but one day boredom got the best of me and I started reading this …. thing.

I gorged on Still Life with Woodpecker in one sitting, from about 1 pm in the afternoon until 7 pm that night.

Robbins' level of absurdity is absolutely genius, which plays a crucial role in making me sit through a romantic comedy. The protagonist’s odyssey reflects the constant struggle for individuality against the relentless tide of societal expectations and the characters navigate through ridiculous situations with a sense of humor that is kind of refreshing. It is not just the usual brand of situational awkwardness played up in all romantic comedies. This was a thoroughly entertaining book with two opposite personalities who played off each other very well.

“Dreamily the Princess stood up. “I’m not sure if I can walk,” she said.
“Then I’ll carry you.”
“Is that what love is?”
“I no longer know what love is. A week ago I had a lot of ideas. What love is and how to make it stay. Now that I’m in love, I haven’t a clue. Now that I’m in love, I’m completely stupid on the subject.”

Robbins’ storytelling technique is unconventional; he challenges traditional forms and is constantly spitting up, lines like the above. His use of non-linear storytelling and playful digressions pulls you from paragraph to paragraph. The narrative skips from one bizarre situation to another, much like a conversation that darts from topic to topic. Yet, amidst the chaos, Robbins’ wit and philosophical insights shine through, making profound statements about life and love. And remember, the entire thing comes from the author staring at a Camel pack, inventing a story taking place between an outlaw and an environmentalist princess.

“Tunnel vision is caused by an optic fungus that multiplies when the brain is less energetic than the ego. It is complicated by exposure to politics.”

“Her astonishingly round breast jiggled ever so slightly, like balls balanced on the noses of Valium-eating seals.”

This juxtaposition of the absurd with reality prompts readers to reflect upon their own experiences with the oddities of life. Robbins explores serious themes — like the conflict between social activism and romantic individualism — with a signature light touch that fosters a deeper understanding of the material. Through irony and humor, he broaches topics that many would typically shy away from, effectively nudging readers to reconsider what they deem “normal.”

“They glared at her the way any intelligent persons ought to glare when what they need is a smoke, a bite, a cup of coffee, a piece of ass, or a good fast-paced story.”

The book was published in 1990, spanning 277 pages, but it felt more like a 150-page book as each page draws you to the next quite well.

This guy is not only a master class in hilarious writing, but also would be great for Medium writers looking to find inspiring stories and structure.

Tom Robbins knows how to grip the reader and pull them to each page. I couldn’t put the book down.

This is coming from a guy who is mostly into Horror and How-To, when it comes to books.

“If this typewriter can’t do it, then fuck it, it can’t be done.”

Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins, highly recommended!

Other books by Tom Robbins:

Jitterbug Perfume: A Novel
Jitterbug Perfume: A Novel [Tom Robbins] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Jitterbug Perfume: A…amzn.to

Skinny Legs and All: A Novel
An Arab and a Jew open a restaurant together across the street from the United Nations.... It sounds like the beginning…amzn.to

Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates
Amazon.com: Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates: 9780553379334: Tom Robbins: Booksamzn.to

Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas: A Novel
When the stock market crashes on the Thursday before Easter, you-an ambitious, although ineffectual and not entirely…amzn.to