On The Road is a captivating and unforgettable book that stands out due to its distinct writing style, diverse and compelling characters, and its portrayal and depiction of North America. The protagonist, Sal Paradise, embarks on an enthralling journey throughout the United States and encounters numerous intriguing companions throughout his travels. Sal’s extensive road trip is divided into multiple expeditions with intervals in which he settles down to write or resides with his aunt and attends school. Sal is deeply intrigued by his closest companion, Dean Moriarty, who embodies the beatnik culture.
The entire book illustrates Sal’s physical journey as well as his emotional journey from depression, low confidence, and dependence on Dean to joy, happiness, fulfillment, and individuality. Sal’s journey begins in New York and he hitchhikes to Denver and California. He displays a reckless and spontaneous attitude, frequently running out of money, getting intoxicated at parties, and sleeping in shacks or on the streets. Eventually, he travels south where he meets Terry, a Mexican girl, on the bus to LA. They spend several months together, living a modest and semi-normal life. After returning to New York, Sal attends school and dedicates a year to writing. However, Sal is then reunited with Dean, who has become even more radical since their last encounter in Denver. Dean convinces Sal to embark on a second trip, despite Sal’s hopes of finding love and settling down with a woman.
At the beginning of the book, Dean is depicted as carefree and full of joy, with a strong love for both life and women. However, his perspective on life undergoes a profound transformation. He becomes deeply spiritual, placing unwavering faith in God and destiny, firmly believing that everything will eventually fall into place as ordained. Despite this spiritual awakening, Dean continues to live a frenzied and nomadic existence, being married to multiple women while constantly traveling across the country without ever settling down. During this second journey with Dean, accompanied by Ed Dunkel and Dean’s girlfriend Mary Lou, Sal embarks on a trip to Louisiana, then Texas, and ultimately returns to San Francisco. Sal continues living such a lifestyle until he encounters Laura and learns to embrace himself. The novel concludes with Sal reflecting on his numerous adventures and feeling a sense of longing for Dean, from whom he parted ways in San Francisco while starting anew.
Jack Kerouac’s writing is both exceptional and informal, showcasing his talent for vivid descriptions. The book abounds with lengthy paragraphs depicting the places Sal explores and the unique individuals he encounters. Written in a first-person narrative, it draws inspiration from the author’s own life and his real-life friend Neal Cassady, who resembles the character of Dean. The theme of the novel encourages embracing life to the maximum while remaining capable of establishing stability and future-oriented thinking when necessary.
Sal starts off as irresponsible at the start of the book, attempting to emulate Dean’s carefree spirit and embrace life more fully. However, he eventually realizes that he can find fulfillment in a calmer manner when he settles down with Laura. The book is highly readable and maintains a smooth flow from one chapter to the next. Personally, I deeply appreciate this disorganized writing style, though it may not appeal to those who dislike deciphering lengthy sentences infused with Beat Generation slang and bizarre, thought-provoking metaphors. Nonetheless, the writing remains the book’s strongest attribute to me.
This book is recommended for those who enjoy a relaxed and easy read with a mild pace. It is particularly suggested for individuals interested in beat music and culture from the 1950’s as it captures the essence of that era and “defines a generation”. Personally, I found it enjoyable to read, although I must mention that the writing style and pace are significantly different from what most people, especially teenagers, are used to reading nowadays. The book lacks action or romance, so it may not hold much interest for those with short attention spans. Moreover, it lacks a solid plot which can be perplexing and aimless at times. Nevertheless, it effectively conveys the theme and depicts the ideas of the hippie/beat way of life. I recommend this book to those who have an interest in the 50’s, have patience for a plot-less book, and appreciate the flowing, informal, and descriptive writing style.
