A beautiful journey of two brothers

 

 ⭑⭑⭑⭑  If, like me, you loved A Gentleman in Moscow, that's wonderful, but The Lincoln Highway is not the same kind of novel. Best not to enter into it with preconceived notions as that is surely a road leading to disappointment. Go forth with an open mind and let The Lincoln Highway's unique beauty and wisdom enrich your life.

Eighteen year old, Emmett, and his younger brother, Billy, live on a farm in 1954 Nebraska. Life has not been kind to them. Their mother left when Billy was small, their father recently passed leaving them in debt (losing the family farm in the process) and Emmett has just been released from a youth detention facility serving a sentence for involuntary manslaughter. What is their plan going forward? To hop in Emmett's Studebaker and drive to California in search of their mother. A worthy goal until their plans are thrown in the air with a surprise visit by Duchess and Woolly, Emmett's compatriots from the youth facility.

The Lincoln Highway is a rich story full of heart, humor and wisdom. Surprisingly, the greatest wisdom comes from Woolly, a slightly medicated, gentle, character who grew up in the bosom of a well-to-do family. He sees the best of every situation and person. It is wonderful to follow him on his journey and spend time reminiscing on his younger years with his much loved extended family.

The journey Emmett and Billy undertake is not unlike that of Ulysses in that the path to the final destination is a bumpy and varied one that brings a multitude of mini adventures. I so enjoyed the many characters we meet along the way and the valuable lessons they bestow upon the brothers. No, this is not the same as A Gentleman in Moscow, but the gentle humor and life's unexpected challenges which enrich the journey are just as rewarding and delightful.