Just finished T.C. Boyle's The Road to Wellville. Not laugh out loud funny, but humorous. I guess the description "Dickensian" comes to mind. Boyle displays what is large and small about all of us in different characters. The story centers around Dr. John Harvey Kellogg's sanitarium in Battle Creek, Michigan. Along with high-minded ideals, Kellogg espoused a lot of quackery and exhibited a significant amount of showmanship. Think Donald Trump, but instead of real estate and casinos, Kellogg sold people on the benefits of vegetarianism and enemas.
Boyle's writing is rich, erudite, and sometimes evocative. Even the villains of the story are portrayed sympathetically. You do, however, get a residual feeling of despair when examining his characters.
Anyway, good read. Highly recommend it. Would be interested in seeing the movie.
Posted by mastr at May 21, 2005 11:07 AMI saw the movie, but have not got around to reading the book. I found it entertaining, especially if you are fed up with the people pushing whatever is the latest greatest "health" food craze.
Strange mix of people in the cast. Anthony Hopkins, Matthew Broderick (watch inspite of the Broderick movie curse), John Cusack, Dana Carvey, yes, even Colm Meaney.