The Sportswriter (1986) by Richard Ford

 Book Review

The Sportswriter (1986)

by Richard Ford

Haddam, New Jersey

New Jersey: 4/14

   Two things to know about Richard Ford:  He won the Pulitzer Prize for the next book in this career-long series about Frank Bascomb, Independence Day.  Second, he is a huge asshole, having 1) Sent Alice Hoffman a copy of HER newest novel with the middle shot out by his guy after he didn't like her NYT review of this book and; 2) SPAT on Colson Whitehead for a review of his collection of short stories that Ford didn't appreciate.  It seems like BOTH those things would get you cancelled or at least charged with a crime but neither seems to have happen.  Presumably Alice Hoffman and Colson Whitehead, who both turned out to be more succesful than Ford over the courses of their respective careers, were big enough to move past their affronts at Ford's hand and mouth.  Third, Ford is one of these white male writers in the grand tradition of the United States suburbanite, dissatisfied with the anomie of the American suburbs while seemingly at a loss to do anything about it.

  Bascomb, the narrator and protagonist (and really the only fully drawn character in the entire book- which refers to his ex wife only as "Mrs. X" and alludes to the premature death of his son with as little explanation as seems humanly possible.) has, at the age of 38:

1.  Been married, fathered two children, one of whom is dead and been fully divorced.

2.  Written a well regard book of short stories

3.  Given up on "serious" writing and found work as a sports writer for a New York Times type newspaper in Manhattan.

  This character, who is a decade younger than me, sounds like a senior citizen, the whole book through. Is what thirty eight year old men were like in the 1980's?  I guess so.  I checked out the Audiobook from the library which was a good pick because the entire book is just Frank Bascomb ruminating, and occasionally having portentous conversations with friends, lovers and strangers in various locales between New Jersey, Manhattan and Michigan.