Reverend Phillip Martin is a pillar of strength and rectitude in the small Louisiana town of St. Adrienne. He has led the fight for civil rights in the parish. One day, about 1970, a young, bearded and unkempt stranger who calls himself Robert X shows up in town for a meeting with the Reverend. When the two men meet, the young man's burdens come crashing down on both of them, and the Reverend Martin is forced to travel back into his wild and woolly past, to try to make some amends. This 1978 novel is a quieter, more measured tale than some of Gaines's other novels, but no less deeply felt. | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1960's-1970's Ethnic/Regional/Religion Family, struggle with Yes Struggle with: - Father (or standin) Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Ethnic/regional/gender life Yes Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 40's-50's Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 20's-30's Profession/status: How sensitive is this character? Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 4 () United States Yes The US: - Deep South Small town? Yes Small town people: - nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee - hostile, like Gomer Pyle on steroids Writing Style Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only - descript of kissing Amount of dialog - significantly more descript than dialog |