The Journey of Simon McKeever

Simon McKeever, a former oil worker and untutored philosopher, runs away from a shabby state-run home for the elderly in Sacramento and hitch-hikes to Los Angeles in search of a cure for his arthritis. Along the way, he discovers a realization that will enable him to bequeath to humankind his hard-won personal truth and move the world one inch forward. Maltz's novel elevates literature of the common man to high art, providing a life-affirming, enduring message of ordinary courage and heroism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2024
Publisher: Alma Books Ltd

Former oil worker, untutored philosopher, dreamer, and man of laughter, Simon McKeever, aged seventy-three, escapes from a shabby state-run home for the elderly in Sacramento and hitchhikes a ride to Los Angeles in search of a cure for his arthritis. Along the way, he embarks on a personal odyssey that will lead him to discover something far more valuable than a medical miracle: a realization that will enable him to leave behind his hard-won personal truth and make a positive impact on the world.

In this technically flawless novel, originally published in the United States in 1949, Maltz elevates the literature of the common man to the realm of high art, delivering a life-affirming and enduring message of ordinary courage and heroism.

McKeever's journey begins with his decision to leave the state-run home, driven by a desire to find a cure for his arthritis. He sets out on foot, walking through the streets of Sacramento, encountering various characters along the way. Among them is a young woman named Mary, who takes pity on him and offers him a place to stay.

As McKeever travels, he reflects on his life and the choices he has made. He realizes that he has been living a life of mediocrity, following the expectations of others rather than pursuing his own dreams. He decides to take control of his life and pursue his passion for writing.

Along the way, McKeever encounters various challenges and setbacks. He is robbed of his belongings, loses his job, and faces discrimination due to his age. However, he refuses to give up and continues to move forward.

In Los Angeles, McKeever meets a group of writers who are working on a project that aims to capture the stories of ordinary people. He joins the group and begins to write his own story.

Through his writing, McKeever discovers the power of storytelling to connect with others. He realizes that his life has been a journey of self-discovery, and he wants to share his experiences with others.

As McKeever's story unfolds, he faces many obstacles and setbacks. He struggles with his health, his finances, and his relationships. However, he never gives up and continues to write.

In the end, McKeever's story is a testament to the power of human resilience and the importance of pursuing one's dreams. He has discovered that his personal truth is worth sharing with the world, and he has made a positive impact on the lives of others.

The novel is written in a simple and straightforward style, with a focus on the characters and their experiences. Maltz's writing is evocative and powerful, and he manages to capture the essence of the human condition in a way that is both relatable and inspiring.

One of the key themes of the novel is the importance of self-discovery and the pursuit of one's dreams. McKeever's journey is a testament to the fact that anyone can achieve their goals if they are willing to work hard and take risks.

Another theme of the novel is the importance of community and the power of human connection. McKeever's interactions with the various characters he meets along the way demonstrate the importance of building relationships and supporting each other.

The novel also explores the themes of aging and mortality. McKeever's journey takes him to a nursing home, where he encounters elderly people who are facing the same challenges that he has faced. He realizes that life is precious and that every moment should be cherished.

In conclusion, Maltz's novel is a masterpiece of modern literature that elevates the literature of the common man to the realm of high art. It is a life-affirming and enduring message of ordinary courage and heroism that will inspire readers of all ages.

Former oil worker, untutored philosopher, dreamer, and man of laughter, Simon McKeever, aged seventy-three, escapes from a shabby state-run home for the elderly in Sacramento and hitchhikes a ride to Los Angeles in search of a cure for his arthritis. Along the way, he embarks on a personal odyssey that will lead him to discover something far more valuable than a medical miracle: a realization that will enable him to leave behind his hard-won personal truth and make a positive impact on the world.

In this technically flawless novel, originally published in the United States in 1949, Maltz elevates the literature of the common man to the realm of high art, delivering a life-affirming and enduring message of ordinary courage and heroism.

McKeever's journey begins with his decision to leave the state-run home, driven by a desire to find a cure for his arthritis. He sets out on foot, walking through the streets of Sacramento, encountering various characters along the way. Among them is a young woman named Mary, who takes pity on him and offers him a place to stay.

As McKeever travels, he reflects on his life and the choices he has made. He realizes that he has been living a life of mediocrity, following the expectations of others rather than pursuing his own dreams. He decides to take control of his life and pursue his passion for writing.

Along the way, McKeever encounters various challenges and setbacks. He is robbed of his belongings, loses his job, and faces discrimination due to his age. However, he refuses to give up and continues to move forward.

In Los Angeles, McKeever meets a group of writers who are working on a project that aims to capture the stories of ordinary people. He joins the group and begins to write his own story.

Through his writing, McKeever discovers the power of storytelling to connect with others. He realizes that his life has been a journey of self-discovery, and he wants to share his experiences with others.

As McKeever's story unfolds, he faces many obstacles and setbacks. He struggles with his health, his finances, and his relationships. However, he never gives up and continues to write.

In the end, McKeever's story is a testament to the power of human resilience and the importance of pursuing one's dreams. He has discovered that his personal truth is worth sharing with the world, and he has made a positive impact on the lives of others.

The novel is written in a simple and straightforward style, with a focus on the characters and their experiences. Maltz's writing is evocative and powerful, and he manages to capture the essence of the human condition in a way that is both relatable and inspiring.

One of the key themes of the novel is the importance of self-discovery and the pursuit of one's dreams. McKeever's journey is a testament to the fact that anyone can achieve their goals if they are willing to work hard and take risks.

Another theme of the novel is the importance of community and the power of human connection. McKeever's interactions with the various characters he meets along the way demonstrate the importance of building relationships and supporting each other.

The novel also explores the themes of aging and mortality. McKeever's journey takes him to a nursing home, where he encounters elderly people who are facing the same challenges that he has faced. He realizes that life is precious and that every moment should be cherished.

In conclusion, Maltz's novel is a masterpiece of modern literature that elevates the literature of the common man to the realm of high art. It is a life-affirming and enduring message of ordinary courage and heroism that will inspire readers of all ages.

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 196 x 131 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780714550800