Robert Duncan (3)

Robert Duncan’s Loudmouth: A Novel Is an effervescent semi-autobiographical rock ‘n’ roll Bildungsroman. Duncan clearly models his protagonist Thomas Ransom on his own experiences as managing editor of Creem magazine alongside its legendary editor Lester Bangs. We follow Ransom from his dysfunctional family roots to the 1970’s sex&drugs&rocknroll scene in New York City. Music fans of a certain age will revel in the rock names and references that Duncan drops into the narrative in show more occasional joyous bursts. And it’s also fun to wonder how much of Ransom’s raucous lifestyle is based on fact, what has been embellished, and what has been judiciously toned down.

But the real joy here is Duncan’s prose itself: sharp and witty, with a flair for precisely worded details that wonderfully illustrate scenes and clearly portray characters. Of particular note is the episode early on where Ransom leaves the city for boarding school, his father at the wheel driving him up to the prestigious Harkness School for Boys. It is here that the story really takes off, and not coincidentally, here where Duncan’s writing truly soars. The novel does bog down in the middle, as Ransom’s NYC rock band antics tend to strike the same notes and chords repeatedly, the same beat repeating a bit too long. But the novel regains its footing in the end, as the resonating event that finally heralds Duncan’s maturity and growth into true adulthood is handled with heartfelt sensitivity. This is an excellent first novel from an author with some intriguing writing skills. show less

Robert Duncan wrote this crazy, little novel from his unique insider’s view. Written in inimitable, gonzo vernacular, it’s all about drugs & rock ‘n roll & sex. It tells the story of a young Southerner, Thomas Ransom, coming of age in the late sixties and early seventies. Surviving his family. Loving music, trying to start a band. Being poor, living in crappy circumstances, always worshipping the music. Moving a lot. New York. Detroit. San Francisco. Befriending and working with Lester show more Bangs, writing for Creem. Knowing Bruce Springsteen when he was young and scrawny and becoming a legend. The Clash, New York Dolls, Iggy Pop. Eventually finding a soul-mate artist to love. It’s quite a ride about “growing up while falling down” especially for music fans who know the references. show less

Robert Duncan introduces us to Thomas Ransom, a boy growing up in a strict environment who finds his voice and freedom through the emerging rock scene of the 1970's. This is supposedly inspired by the author's real-life experiences, which of course had me guessing the entire time what was possibly true and what wasn't. Duncan's prose is amazing, the story entertaining and addictive. If you're a fan of stories with the Almost Famous vibe, be sure to check this one out!

Robert Duncan is great at describing the moment. His prose was music to my ears. As a lover of all music genres, I was excited to review this book for the Early Reviewers Program. Although this story was funny and witty and filled with all the details of a boy growing up and experiencing rock and roll and girls, I was happy that the protagonist finally grew up at the end. Some of the middle of the book runs a little repetitive and long but overall I enjoyed it.