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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A heartwarming and thoughtful novel in which real characters confront real-life problems, January 25, 2007
All of us are familiar with the time-worn adage "Don't quit your day job." After reading Ron McLarty's second novel, TRAVELER, one is tempted to turn that advice on its head and suggest in the strongest possible terms that McLarty consider quitting his day job and devote himself completely to writing novels. He is that good.
While the name may not ring many bells, a glance at McLarty's photo on the dust jacket of his novel is all that readers will require to recognize an actor they have seen in numerous dramatic endeavors. In addition to "Sex and the City," "Spenser for Hire" and "The Practice," McLarty has appeared frequently on "Law and Order," portraying the belligerent Judge William Wright, the bete noire to prosecutor Sam Waterston. The arrogance of this character stands in stark contrast to the novelist of TRAVELER, who has written a heartwarming and thoughtful story that is equal parts coming-of-age and mystery. While TRAVELER is in many respects a much different work from McLarty's first novel, THE MEMORY OF RUNNING, it is equally beguiling and enjoyable.
TRAVELER is the story of Jono Riley, part-time actor and full-time bartender living in Manhattan and currently dividing his time between working behind the bar at Lambs and performing in a wildly unsuccessful one-character play far off Broadway. The novel opens with Riley receiving a letter from a boyhood friend in Rhode Island informing him that his childhood girlfriend, Marie D'Agostino, has passed away. The news of Marie's death stirs various memories for Riley. Foremost of those recollections is the evening when Marie was wounded by a seemingly wild gunshot discharged in the old neighborhood by an unknown shooter.
Marie's passing is the catalyst for a return visit to the old neighborhood and the friends of Riley's youth. TRAVELER commences an intriguing journey that mixes remembrances of his younger days with the unsolved mystery surrounding what was believed to be a random act of violence, but now appears to be a serial shooting. Through a series of flashbacks expertly woven into the narrative, Riley's youth is recreated for the reader. The journey between youth and middle age introduces readers to many deep and intricate characters. In addition, they probably will experience the delight that a great novel can often produce --- the reawakening of a memory from their own personal earlier life, be it one of sadness or glee.
There is obviously a little of Ron McLarty in Jono Riley. Rhode Island is McLarty's home, and acting is his profession. TRAVELER offers a view of acting and actors that is hopeful and uplifting, and is shared by its author. THE MEMORY OF RUNNING gathered dust in a desk drawer until it was discovered by none other than Stephen King. While TRAVELER may be his second published novel, McLarty has several previously rejected, unpublished works that are now being considered by publishers. In addition, he is working on the screenplay for THE MEMORY OF RUNNING.
TRAVELER is reminiscent of the works of the late author George Higgins. Real characters confront real-life problems in a straightforward and honest style that readers will identify with. Jono Riley is the kind of fellow you would like to join for a beer and burger; McLarty also seems to be that type of man. Perhaps one day this opportunity will arise. If it does, we will have two great novels and countless incredible characters to discuss over our brews.
--- Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfection, July 27, 2007
Having read, "Memory of Running" by Ron McLarty, I was hopeful for "Traveler." I worried that it couldn't live up to "Smithy" Ide's treck across the country via bicyle. "Smithy" is an engrained character in my psyche. How could this author create another character that I could embrace with the same affection and respect? Ron McLarthy proved that brilliant authors can weave more than one tale, and "Travler" is as poignant, humorous, and flowing as "Memory of Running. The pages draw you in like a winding river, floating you along with no resistance on your part. Rocky white waters, dangerous undercurrents, and unexpected ebbs do not deter .....you most willing ride this raft until you reach conclusion.
In "Traveler" I once again explored a man's mechanisms for survial inside the mind of Jono, part-time actor, full time bartender, who journeys back to his working class hometown in Rhode Island hoping to reconnect with buddies that intricately formed his childhood. A mystery is introduced, but not as a means to an end; not contrived to keep you turning pages; you turn them anyway, because the story spins so addictively. Mr. Mclarty prose is eloquent, but never pretentious. The characters are flushed out, but not to excess; the plot is well organized, switching from past to present to keep you meshed with the protaganist's motivation. So seldom is a reader allowed to enjoy every moment of a book that I appreciate the effort of this fine author to make it all seem effortless when I know the opposite is true.
Ron McLarty made reading "Travler" a "magical" experience for me.(read the book to see the reference I am alluding to.) I was loathe to have "Travler" end, but McLarty has earned my trust and my deep respect. No more trepidation about expectations; the man is a storyteller and I look forward to his next offering.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant, Genuine, Captivating, February 4, 2007
I picked this novel up in the airport a few days ago and devoured it in 3 or 4 hours. I had no expectations. I'd never heard of Mr. McLarty.
The first person narrative is so compelling, it feels like private journal entry. The prose can be moving, wry and downright funny in the space of a few paragraphs. You will find yourself invested in Jono and his journey almost immediately.
Traveler is filled with interesting, well-drawn characters. Not one, two or three, but nearly a dozen. Rarely does a novelist define so many characters so well and make them as important to the book's landscape. It's McLarty's greatest strength, in my opinion, a cast of characters that feel so familiar and comfortable, even the ones you come to loath.
I must admit I saw the resolution coming about 50 pages early, but it didn't bother me in the slightest, the trip with Jono was still a thrill.
Traveler is probably the best novel I've read since Kite Runner.
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