So Long, See You Tomorrow

SO LONG, SEE YOU TOMORROW
by William Maxwell

Award: National Book 1982

Nominations: National Book Critics Circle 1980, Pulitzer 1981

Date Read: June 14, 2020


If I had to sum up So Long, See You Tomorrow in one word, it would be regret. The narrator (do we ever learn his name?) is haunted by a childhood friend, Cletus, who he ignored in the halls of school after his father was accused of killing another man. That denial of friendship, a moment that only lasted seconds, follows him into adulthood and the remainder of his days. I can completely relate as I too had a moment in middle school that I regret to this day.
The mom dies, leaving three children behind - a son in college, the narrator and a baby.

The murder of Lloyd Wilson by Clarence Smith was tragic in its beginnings and its end. The two families were incredibly close and helped each other in their work and their play. Until one day, Lloyd realizes he is enraptured by Clarence's wife, Fern. She reciprocates his feelings and an affair is born. This affair rips apart both families, causing both to divorce and the wives to move into town with their children. 

Clarence can't let it go and ultimately kills Lloyd. What I found so sad is that no one here has a happy ending. Lloyd and Fern probably believed they would end up together after a time but it didn't seem to work out that way. Everyone ended up in regret and grief. And it is alluded to towards the end that Clarence drowns himself. This novel almost reads like a Shakespearean tragedy.

Looking Forward: The Chateau

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