Lawyers of Arkansas

The Architecture of the Arkansas Ozarks

Description

Jacob and Noah Ingledew trudge 600 miles from their native Tennessee to found Stay More, a small town nestled in a narrow valley that winds among the Arkansas Ozarks and into the reader's imagination. The Ingledew saga - which follows six generations of 'Stay Morons' through 140 years of abundant living and prodigal loving - is the heart of Harington's jubilant, picaresque novel. Praised as one of the year's ten best novels by the American Library Association when first published, this tale continues to captivate readers with its winning fusion of lyricism and comedy.

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-02-09
Summary: "Pure delight"

This book has remained in my personal top ten list for 30 years.

It's impossible to describe because it truly is an original. The characters are real and wonderful and the plot moves at a swift and unpredictable pace.
It's a must read.

I've only written two fan letters in life and one was to Donald Harington in appreciation for this book. ( He wrote back a very kind letter that I cherish.)

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2008-11-08
Summary: "One of my favorite authors, one of his best books"

I just love Donald Harington. The Architecture of the Arkansas Ozarks was the first book of his I read, and I've kept up with his novels for 17 years now. I have never read a novel that moved me so much with so many characters and generational story-lines, except maybe 100 Years of Solitude. It's something lots of writers try to do, and most fail at. But Harington is one of the best writers I think I've ever obsessively read. He has written many hilarious, exciting, sad novels over the years, but they all relate back to the foundation this book sets. It's a great introduction to his works. You'll laugh! You'll cry! You'll be uncomfortable! Maybe even sexually aroused! Then probably laugh and feel uncomfortable again! Can't say enough hyperbole about it, so I will just say please buy it, and support one of our most incredible modern humor writers!

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2008-03-13
Summary: "All the other reviews say it as well as I can..."

This is the most hilarious book I have ever read. I'm only half-way through at the moment, but one night at bed time I had the giggles to bad that the more I tried not to laugh the harder I laughed. I had to get up and go get a glass of water and sit in the kitchen to collect myself. Read several of the 5 star reviews, then buy the book. It's worth it.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2008-02-21
Summary: "Live in the sunshine"

This book was one of the first Stay More books I read. That was back when I was taking my first pass through the Stay More series. Now that I am enjoying my second pass through them, I believe I have discovered they are better the second time around. This one holds a special place, because it seems, to me, to lay the foundation for the rest. Sheet-fire, I love these books!

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2007-03-08
Summary: "The best writer you never heard of"

Why oh why have I not heard of this writer before. The Architecture of the Arkansas Ozarks, by Donald Harington, is an American, "100 Years of Solitude." It is hard to think of comparisons. It is a sophisticated, very witty, bawdy (but not erotic) history of Stay More, Arkansas.

Although much more approachable than James Joyce, some of the word play in the book reminds me of some of the erudite puns in Joyce's works. His discourse on the word, arc, is worth the price of the book. It also enriches the title of the book immensely.

It is clear that Harington expects his readers to be bright and literate. But there are no obscure allusions or latin puns, only clear exposition, wonderful (really wonderful) characters, and a series of engaging, funny, and sad stories. And absolutely great sentences. The man can write.