T. Coraghessan Boyle Biography
T. Coraghessan Boyle has invited comparisons to the great nineteenth-century writer Mark Twain throughout his career, and with good reason. Like Twain’s work, Boyle’s writing is characterized by a sharp and ironic sense of humor. An example of this is his wry novel about John Harvey Kellogg, The Road to Wellville. Yet Boyle’s books are more than lightweight comedies about the foibles of men. Underneath the tart humor is profound commentary about the society in which his characters live. In addition to his novels, Boyle has authored numerous short story collections, most famously Greasy Lake, which applies his unique sensibility to autobiographical tales of life in New York.
Facts and Trivia
- Boyle’s given middle name was John. As a young man, he had it legally changed to Coraghessan.
- The well-educated Boyle has a BA in English, an MFA in creative writing, and a PhD in nineteenth-century British literature.
- Shortly after completing his doctoral work, Boyle received a creative writing grant from the National Endowment of the Arts.
- For more than twenty years, Boyle has taught English at U.C. Santa Barbara.
- Boyle’s epic World’s End earned him the prestigious Pen/Faulkner Award. The novel takes place over three centuries in New York and is a smorgasbord of seemingly incongruous characters and situations.
Biography
T. Coraghessan Boyle, originally Thomas John Boyle, is a celebrated author known for his imaginative and comedic storytelling. With advanced degrees from the University of Iowa, he has been a notable English educator at the University of Southern California. Boyle's accolades include the Pushcart Prize and a leadership role in opposing minimalist fiction, offering a humorous critique of American culture.
The Early Works
Boyle's first book, Descent of Man, opens with a playful nod to Tarzan, setting the tone for tales that explore the essence of humanity. One story features a researcher in love with a linguistically gifted chimpanzee, blending absurdity with intellect. Another highlights the comedic plight of Vikings in “We Are Norsemen,” while “A Women’s Restaurant” humorously critiques gender norms. Despite its violent themes, Boyle's wit ensures the stories are enlightening rather than frightening.
Expansive Narratives
Water Music is an ambitious novel intertwining the adventures of Mungo Park and a cunning thief, Ned Rise, in a narrative laced with contemporary slang to mock Victorian ideals. The novel's narrator, reminiscent of eighteenth-century satirists, offers an ironic and humorous perspective. This blend of historical adventure and modern parody underscores Boyle's literary versatility.
Satire and Commentary
The novel Budding Prospects mixes humor with a cautionary tale about marijuana cultivation and the fading hippie culture. With a character like Vogelgesang, a scheming optimist, Boyle humorously portrays the clash between counterculture ideals and societal norms. The novel offers both relief and philosophical insight as it explores this generational conflict.
Exploring Humanity
In Greasy Lake, and Other Stories, Boyle revisits the surreal while embracing a deeper understanding of human flaws. "Greasy Lake" features a wild night fraught with danger, reflecting the intersection of youthful rebellion and harsh reality. Stories like “All Shook Up” humorously examine cultural icons, while others address motherhood and political fantasies, showcasing Boyle's range in tackling diverse themes.
Interwoven Histories
World’s End is a rich tapestry of American history and social commentary, focusing on the Hudson River and its residents. Spanning centuries, the novel connects the past and present, illuminating the complex relationships between families like the Van Brunts and Van Warts. Boyle weaves autobiographical elements into this historical epic, cementing his place in contemporary literature.
Diverse Themes
Boyle's subsequent novels reveal his wide-ranging interests. East Is East portrays a Japanese man's cultural struggle in Georgia, while The Road to Wellville humorously critiques early American health obsessions. The Tortilla Curtain shifts to a more realistic tone, examining the collision of suburban life and immigrant challenges, showcasing Boyle's adaptability in style.
Exploring Real and Imagined Worlds
Riven Rock returns to early 20th-century medical themes, focusing on the tragic life of Stanley McCormick and the quest for his cure. Meanwhile, A Friend of the Earth ventures into a dystopian future, exploring ecological disaster and personal redemption. Drop City navigates the cultural upheaval of a 1970s commune, further demonstrating Boyle's ability to capture the spirit of the times.
Criticism by T. Coraghessan Boyle
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