Now is the Hour, by Tom Spanbauer

Creator of the concept of ‘Dangerous Writing’, Tom Spanbauer utilises a brand of literary minimalism, focusing on heavy topics such as race and sexual identity and paying very close attention to language. Never more has this approach been championed than in this fourth book, Now is the Hour. A coming-of-age novel of grand proportions, it tells the story of 17-year old Rigby John Kluesener, who is escaping a repressed adolescence spent on his parents’ farm in small-town, 1960s America. Tired of the religious, sexual and racial bigotry that surrounds him, Rigby John hitches his way to San Francisco, leaving behind a pregnant girlfriend and dysfunctional family. The introspective first person ramblings are highly detailed, sometimes to the point of annoyance and while particular events are rendered with moving detail, more time could be spent exploring those individuals Rigby John is close to. Spanbauer details his protagonist’s personal transformation with great sensitivity, especially with regard to his burgeoning relationship with George Serano, a notorious local full of passion and experience. Pulitzer-nominated for his work, The Boy Who Fell in Love with the Moon, Spanbauer is clearly a very gifted novelist who is not afraid to tackle some rather bleak themes. Essentially this is a rich and poignant story, one which will be greatly enjoyed providing you can navigate the author’s characteristic narrative style. [Rebecca Isherwood]