Again to Carthage
by John L. Parker Jr.
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Book Summary Information
Author: John L. Parker Jr.Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-04-01
ISBN: 1891369776
Number of pages: 344
Publisher: Breakaway Books
Book Reviews of Again to Carthage
Book Review: "as Denton trotted out and wistfully accepted [the adulation] once more, Quenton thought that his smile seemed sad indeed"
Summary: 4 Stars
I have just finished it and I think it is a good book. It is worth reading his "Once a Runner" first since "Again to Carthage" is a sequel to it. Moreover, Parker does not spend time introducing the characters and somewhat assumes that the reader is familiar with the first novel. OaR achieved a cult status among people who enjoy the sport. OaR is out print but copies are scanned in and available on the Internet.
"Again to Carthage" is a more complicated book than OaR. The characters are given a bit more depth. It is also not just about running. One of the major characters (from the first book) goes and dies in Viet Nam. The wistful and somewhat despondent tone is more pronounced in the sequel as the protagonist -- Quenton Cassidy (and the author) had to come to terms with the sunset of their running career. Quenton Cassidy is well aware that the race, set in the end of the book, is his swan song. Yet, this very race and the reckless drive for physical perfection come out as the victory against inevitable decline and the affirmation of the joy of life itself. The description of the race and the book's ending, reminiscent of the first book's, are quite moving.
Parker is a former elite runner. He essentially writes about himself which brings to the novels the raw authenticity that won the first book so many admirers among runners. Actually, the novel is structured as a sequence of notes written as if by a runner in heavy training as an escape from the grind of the routine and torment of twice-daily workouts. The book has its weaknesses. A letter from Quenton to his girlfried that takes up a whole chapter is rambly at best. The arch-villain is painted with a broad black brush. He is introduced nearly at the very end of the book just late enough for Quenton to raise the stakes. Overall, the narrative's direction weaves, turns and occasionally seems to be lost. However, the books sincerity and authenticity is certain to endear the book to generations of runners.
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