14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliantly Written, June 25, 2009
Buffalo Lockjaw is a brilliantly written story about a son who feels responsible for his mother's current, debilitated state. After talking Ellen out of suicide when she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease, James Fitzroy sets out on a journey back to his hometown of Buffalo to, for once in his life, do something of meaning, to save his mother from her suffering and follow through with her own wishes. Buffalo is the perfect backdrop for the story, not only because this is where the author grew up, but because,like the main character's mother, Buffalo is a city that is full of life and beauty, but is, in many ways, suffering. In a very clever way, the author teaches us much about Buffalo through several character sketches sprinkled throughout the first half of the novel, characters from the city of Buffalo that the main character, James, interviewed in his earlier days while conducting an ethnographical study. For some reason (unknown to himself at the time), James is listening to a tape of these interviews when he drives into Buffalo, and through his continued listening of it, the reader begins to learn about the city of Buffalo and comes to understand it as its own rich character in the story.
Throughout the course of the story, James finds that his past seems to collide with his present as he works through his decision to help his mother. We're introduced to his family and see the pain and heartache that surrounds watching a loved one suffer from advanced Alzheimer's as she becomes more debilitated and loses her sense of self. We also see the guilt that consumes James as he watches his mom suffer. He feels responsible for her current state, because, after all, he was the one who talked her out of suicide. No longer capable of conveying what she wants, James wants to make things right, but he finds himself locked within his tendency to be more of a witness than a participant in life. This story could definitely make for some really heavy drama, but the author seems to perfectly blend the heartfelt drama with comedic relief. He cleverly juxtaposes the heartache with funny encounters and witty exchanges with James' childhood friends and pseudo love interests. Within this context, the reader comes to understand how truly trapped and disconnected all of the characters are in their current lives. They all seem locked in their most vulnerable states, especially James. He's trapped in the past, in his mind, in his self destructive role, and in his wanting to save Ellen.
This notion of being trapped is carried throughout the novel and then linked to the title of the book and the idea of Buffalo Lockjaw. Not only was this really good writing, but within this context, I found myself wanting to piece things together, as if the story was its own puzzle. I wanted to know answers about the characters and wanted to learn more about the depth of James' grief, particularly in relation to his mother. The answers are all there, but the reader has to dig around a little bit to fully understand the characters (including Buffalo) and their relationships. Consequently, it's almost like the reader is on a journey to uncover things about James' past and to fully understand him. This had me rooting for James to finally do the right thing, to escape his past and present, and to do and be more. To me, all of these elements working together make for good literature. A lot of contemporary books are too commercial, too contrived, and so obvious. Buffalo Lockjaw isn't like that. It's multilayered, it's full of so many different facets, it evokes an emotional response, and it's REALLY good writing.
The book is also full of so many great lines, lines that really make you think. It lends itself perfectly to book club discussions. Usually, when I read a book club selection, I mark passages and lines that I found to be really telling or poignant, stuff that makes for great discussion. In a given novel, I typically find a few lines that are worth noting and sharing with the group. Buffalo Lockjaw is chock-full of TONS of thought provoking lines and ideas. It gets the reader thinking a lot about who we are and where we come from literally and figuratively. It makes one wonder about how memory works and how our childhood and where we are raised really becomes so central to what we remember. And the thought provoking lines? There were so many. I think my favorite one was the line from one of James' philosophy professors, "If you've got one foot in the past and one foot in the future, you're pissing on the present." How brilliant is that? That's so poignant in its own right, but especially poignant for James, who is totally pissing on the present for so much of the book. The reader wants him to step up and take control of his present life and relationships, but, ultimately, he never really does.
I was really glad the author didn't do the resolution thing at the end and make things neat and tidy. Life in general, especially James' life, is just too messy for that. Instead of the predictable happening, the author chooses to end the novel in a quieter and more subtle way, a way that is much more fitting to James' character. In other words, James may not save the day in the manner that one would initially hope for (Thank God, a writer who didn't cave!), but he does come to better understand Ellen and what she wanted for herself and for him. Through some telling letters written by his mother, James and the reader learn that Ellen, as a mother, feels a level of responsibility for her son's insecurity. She's been trying to teach him to save himself, and he's thinking he needs to save her. Really, all she wants is for him to not quit, to try, "to move a muscle" (note: I'm trying not to spoil the ending here). I love that he figures all of this out on his journey to save his mom, which is really the biggest selfless act. Even more, I loved that there was this dual level of James being selfless that wasn't so overt and made the ending seem less resolved. This is an ending that really satisfies the reader because it's quiet and humble and very true to James' character.
Can you tell I loved Buffalo Lockjaw? It was hard not to love it. It's a powerful story with a universal message about life and memory and love. Be here, be present, start living now. And, underneath the message, there are so many great things happening within the story and the writing - it's beautiful, it's brilliant, and it's really hard to let go of it when you're done.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
fantastic read, January 15, 2010
My mother gave me Buffalo Lockjaw for Christmas this year, and I ripped through it within three days. It's easily the best book I've read in a very long time. Full disclosure, however, I am a late 20s Brooklyner who grew up in Buffalo and high tailed it out after college.
so touching on so many different levels. personally, i loved how it dealt with the "you can't go home again" feelings one can get upon returning to one's hometown. sometimes you feel guilty for leaving and sometimes you feel like a sham for leaving - the author conveyed those feelings to me and in some cases brought them out of denial and made me confront them head on.
his style of writing is refreshing also. i loved the interspersing of testimonials within the chapters of classic buffalo characters....too good!
as you can see i greatly identify with this character, so i'm obviously biased. i can't recommend this book enough however. it's a quick read but can be revisited time and time again. if you grew up in a mid sized or small town and moved to the big city......this is the best book for you to read right now, especially after going through the guilt of leaving after the holidays.
in closing: READ THIS BOOK. haha
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