Talk:Steve Tesich/Archive 1

Archive 1

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I just finished reading Karoo, and wanted to find out more about the author, Steve Tesich, who died just after finishing the novel. Wikipedia had listed only his book Summer Crossing under Novels, so the first thing I found myself doing, is editing the entry on Steve Tesich! I was so moved by the novel, and had hoped to find some discussion going on on the discussion page - but there was none, so here I am discussing an author I had never even heard of until two days ago, when I "randomly" chose the book (by its cover) from a library. "Random/randomness" is a word that recurs often in the book. Saul Karoo, the protagonist, resists the idea of randomness with his "Wherefore?" - and heroically searches for meaning. Heroically, because he seems to be terrified of finding meaning in his life! The book is very funny, seductively funny, and before you know it you are heading, with Saul, into inexorable tragedy from which there is no escape. You are relieved when the unavoidable tragedy occurs, because you think that now the story can end: Saul has reaped the rewards of his irresponsible life. But the story does not end.

The book is full of breathtakingly original insights. I had to keep on jumping up to jot down quotes. I recognised Saul, because he is me.

Karoo deserves a wide readership and to be listed in the top 100 novels in English to come out of the 20th century.

Erna Buber-deVilliers link title