The King of America

The King of America is a beautifully writing, deeply moving work that touches on a number of important themes but presents them not through pedagogy but through the power of art, character, narrative, and language. Stephen Hesse is one of the most complex, touching, tragic figures in American fiction. He is the rich kid, the outsider, the artist, the observer. His life in America both contrasts with and reflects his experiences in New Guinea. In both places, he is an outsider, who does not belong to the culture which he both observes and attempts to participate in. He is in search of himself sexually, spiritually, and professionally. A member of one of America's wealthiest, most powerful families, he is at once alienated from them but aware of the power that membership provides and which he uses. Gillison packs into a little more than 200 pages a wealth of ideas about American society, class, America in the world, individuality, and family, and she writes beautifully.

As an anthropology/archaeology student, I was intrigued by the idea of a novel which portrays the anthropologist/archaeologist as anything but a slapstick clown, big red nose, one-liners and stumbling-bumbling-fumbling physiognomy. "The King of America" is hardly about anthropology, or Michael Rockefeller. Gillison concerns herself with giving voice to the voiceless other. In a postmodern Western society, where everyone may speak, regardless of who listens. Steven has much to say, but there is one to hear. Why bother speaking at all? Listening is a sympathetic act, and who is more unsympathetic than the uber-rich? Read this book for its perfection. Read this book for study. Read this book for for what ever reason, but do not read this book in sympathy for Steven, instead go and listen.

I really enjoyed the lush language of this novel, the hypnotic way it conveys the beauty and danger of New Guinea. Gillison seems to have honed and honed her descriptive language so carefully that each line seems as well crafted as good poetry. And when the novel is Stateside it manages to create credibly the protagonist's confusion and difficulties functioning within his priveleged world. I know that she got a Whiting Writers Award for her last novel. For a lot of people that seems to screw up their focus for future works. Gillison, however, took the honor to heart and knocked her writing up a notch. We should be thankful for it. This is an accomplished work that promises more good stuff to come.

This short novel is certainly worth the read. The author uses very interesting technique, uses wonderful syntax and is certainly an extraordinary story teller. I found it quite amazing that the author was able to pack so much into just a few pages (a bit over 200). Her usage and conservation of words, while certainly not unique, is nevertheless refreshing. She, the author, obviously spent much time putting this one together. I highly recommend it. It has been one of the brighter spots in my reading year so far. There will no doubt be more from this author and I am looking forward to all of it. Thank you Ms Gillison keep up the good work!

Reading THE KING OF AMERICA is like taking a breath of fresh air. It's been a while since I've read a book that moved me the way this one had. At the center is Stephen Hesse, young heir to a fortune and life of privileges. His mother raised him after his parents divorced when he was two years old and throughout his childhood Stephen and his mother have remained close. Although his parents reside in the same building on Park Avenue they live completely separate lives. Father and son are virtual strangers and don't attempt a relationship until his early adulthood when Stephen yearns to win his affection despite his mother's hurt feelings. While attending Harvard Steven joins an anthropological expedition to Netherlands New Guinea to study the native tribes. While he has an interest in anthropology his real intention is to gain his father's admiration. The passages pertaining to the rituals of tribesmen and the descriptions of the physical surroundings were fascinating to say the least. As I was reading I felt that I was accompanying them while traveling through the jungles and watching the death ceremonies. One of the true strengths of this book is how the narrative dove headfirst into Stephen's motivations, inspirations and feelings. It was beautiful how his strained and flawed relationships with his father, mother and girlfriend Sheila were portrayed in a fluid and multi-dimensional manner. THE KING OF AMERICA is undoubtedly a small book but there is so much contained within the 213 pages. Large issues of colonization and the appropriation of native cultures are told in a brilliant and fascinating manner. Highly recommended.