Slouching Towards Kalamazoo A Novel

“Slouching Towards Kalamazoo” by Peter De Vries is a novel published by the University of Chicago Press on June 1, 2005. Set in 1963 in an unnamed town in North Dakota, the story follows Anthony Thrasher, who is stuck in eighth grade for a second year. With a penchant for reading literary greats like Joyce and Eliot, Anthony struggles with traditional subjects while navigating the complexities of adolescence.

Readers will find that the narrative captures Anthony’s journey as he engages with a tutor, described as a “modern Hester Prynne,” who helps him break free from the confines of eighth grade. The novel explores themes of education, sexuality, and the challenges of growing up, all delivered through De Vries’s characteristic wit and humor. With a page count of 250, this edition offers a blend of erudition and silliness, making it a unique exploration of youthful restlessness and intellectual curiosity.