Title: Remarkable Language, Tired and Derivative Characters & Plot
Product review: Tom Robbins was on a roll all the way through Skinny Legs and All. Then came Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas, which, although it felt a bit like Mr. Robbins felt that he had to write SOMETHING, still had that old magic about it. Now comes Fierce Invalids. The characters are not only two dimensional and anoying, but one (Masked Beauty) is straight out of David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest. The plot is ridiculous, but not quite ridiculous enough, and then the ending is--of all things-- astoundingly safe. Now, the man can write, and that talent has not waned a bit since Another Roadside Attraction, but he seems to be only writing because it's his job. This is too bad, because his talent remains remarkable and unmatched. Would that the muse of inspiration would once again fall upon him. I have confidence that she will, but until then, we have to deal with the likes of Switters and Suzy.
Would you say this review depicts the product in a flattering or unflattering light?
