Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas By: R. A. Lafferty (1914-2002)
Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas by R. A. Lafferty is an utterly unique and mind-bending piece of speculative fiction that challenges conventional genres and pushes the boundaries of the imagination. This novel, set in a seemingly ordinary town in Texas, explores themes of religious fervor, cultural diversity, and the struggle between tradition and progress. Lafferty's writing style is eccentric, captivating, and at times confusing, but it perfectly mirrors the bizarre world he paints. The story follows a large cast of peculiar characters, each with their own intricate backstory and distinctive personality. As the narrative unfolds, we witness their lives intertwine in unexpected and often surreal ways, exposing the dark underbelly of a seemingly tranquil community. One of the standout elements of this book is Lafferty's ability to seamlessly weave whimsical and visionary elements into a narrative that largely examines human nature and societal issues. With his unparalleled imagination, Lafferty creates a world where myth, legend, and reality blur together, leaving readers questioning what is real and what is merely an illusion. Furthermore, Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas delves into the complexities of religious belief systems and the dangers of blind faith. Lafferty offers a thought-provoking critique of religious fanaticism, highlighting how it can both unite and divide communities, and how it can be manipulated for personal gain by those in power. While the book can be challenging to follow due to its non-linear narrative and myriad of characters, it is ultimately a rewarding read for those willing to embrace Lafferty's eccentricities. Moreover, his commentary on cultural diversity and societal progress feels especially pertinent in today's world, prompting readers to question their own prejudices and examine the impact of their actions on society. In conclusion, Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas is a thought-provoking and highly imaginative novel that defies genre conventions. R. A. Lafferty's unique storytelling and his exploration of religious fervor and cultural diversity make this book a standout in the realm of speculative fiction. Though it may not appeal to those seeking a straightforward narrative, for those looking to lose themselves in a world unlike any other, Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas is a literary gem waiting to be discovered. First Page: [Illustration] The place called Sodom was bad enough. But right down the road was the other town and that was even worse! Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas By R. A. LAFFERTY Illustrated by RITTER Manuel shouldn't have been employed as a census taker. He wasn't qualified. He couldn't read a map. He didn't know what a map was. He only grinned when they told him that North was at the top. He knew better. But he did write a nice round hand, like a boy's hand. He knew Spanish, and enough English. For the sector that was assigned to him he would not need a map. He knew it better than anyone else, certainly better than any mapmaker. Besides, he was poor and needed the money. They instructed him and sent him out. Or they thought that they had instructed him. They couldn't be sure. "Count everyone? All right. Fill in everyone? I need more papers." "We will give you more if you need more. But there aren't so many in your sector." "Lots of them. Lobos , tejones , zorros , even people." "Only the people , Manuel! Do not take the animals. How would you write up the animals? They have no names." "Oh, yes. All have names. Might as well take them all." "Only people, Manuel." " Mulos? " "No." " Conejos? " "No, Manuel, no... Continue reading book >>

Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas By: R. A. Lafferty (1914-2002)

Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas by R. A. Lafferty is an utterly unique and mind-bending piece of speculative fiction that challenges conventional genres and pushes the boundaries of the imagination. This novel, set in a seemingly ordinary town in Texas, explores themes of religious fervor, cultural diversity, and the struggle between tradition and progress.

Lafferty's writing style is eccentric, captivating, and at times confusing, but it perfectly mirrors the bizarre world he paints. The story follows a large cast of peculiar characters, each with their own intricate backstory and distinctive personality. As the narrative unfolds, we witness their lives intertwine in unexpected and often surreal ways, exposing the dark underbelly of a seemingly tranquil community.

One of the standout elements of this book is Lafferty's ability to seamlessly weave whimsical and visionary elements into a narrative that largely examines human nature and societal issues. With his unparalleled imagination, Lafferty creates a world where myth, legend, and reality blur together, leaving readers questioning what is real and what is merely an illusion.

Furthermore, Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas delves into the complexities of religious belief systems and the dangers of blind faith. Lafferty offers a thought-provoking critique of religious fanaticism, highlighting how it can both unite and divide communities, and how it can be manipulated for personal gain by those in power.

While the book can be challenging to follow due to its non-linear narrative and myriad of characters, it is ultimately a rewarding read for those willing to embrace Lafferty's eccentricities. Moreover, his commentary on cultural diversity and societal progress feels especially pertinent in today's world, prompting readers to question their own prejudices and examine the impact of their actions on society.

In conclusion, Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas is a thought-provoking and highly imaginative novel that defies genre conventions. R. A. Lafferty's unique storytelling and his exploration of religious fervor and cultural diversity make this book a standout in the realm of speculative fiction. Though it may not appeal to those seeking a straightforward narrative, for those looking to lose themselves in a world unlike any other, Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas is a literary gem waiting to be discovered.

First Page:

[Illustration]

The place called Sodom was bad enough. But right down the road was the other town and that was even worse!

Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas

By R. A. LAFFERTY

Illustrated by RITTER

Manuel shouldn't have been employed as a census taker. He wasn't qualified. He couldn't read a map. He didn't know what a map was. He only grinned when they told him that North was at the top.

He knew better.

But he did write a nice round hand, like a boy's hand. He knew Spanish, and enough English. For the sector that was assigned to him he would not need a map. He knew it better than anyone else, certainly better than any mapmaker. Besides, he was poor and needed the money.

They instructed him and sent him out. Or they thought that they had instructed him. They couldn't be sure.

"Count everyone? All right. Fill in everyone? I need more papers."

"We will give you more if you need more. But there aren't so many in your sector."

"Lots of them. Lobos , tejones , zorros , even people."

"Only the people , Manuel! Do not take the animals. How would you write up the animals? They have no names."

"Oh, yes. All have names. Might as well take them all."

"Only people, Manuel."

" Mulos? "

"No."

" Conejos? "

"No, Manuel, no... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fantasy
Fiction
Literature

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Wikipedia – R. A. Lafferty
Wikipedia – Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas

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