The Frank Bascombe saga continues with the same deep understanding of human nature. ( )

A good read though not what I had hoped for due to the overzealous use of details causing the story to drag. ( )

Tras años de incertidumbre emocional, Frank Bascombe se encuentra instalado en una madurez relativamente feliz. Sigue trabajando como agente inmobiliario, ahora en la empresa que posee en Sea-Clift, donde se fue a vivir junto a su segunda esposa. Inesperadamente, ésta le abandona. Poco después descubre que padece un cáncer de próstata. Se resquebraja así su -frágil- bienestar. De nuevo acompañaremos a Bascombe en sus travesías por las carreteras de Nueva Jersey, de encuentro en encuentro, mientras hace balance de su vida. "No hay escape de la vida, hay que afrontarla en su totalidad", concluye Bascombe: ante la toma de conciencia del propio final intentará aceptarse a sí mismo y a los que le rodean, un proceso nada sencillo para alguien tan desligado de sus sentimientos.

"The Lay of the Land" is I believe the third of Richard Ford's novels involving Frank Bascombe. Frank is now a mid-50's New Jersey realtor, living a satisfying life, despite several setbacks he's had to deal with over the years. Ford makes Bascombe very human, and I enjoyed the spoken and inner dialog as I read the book. In many ways, it's a rather inspiring story of living and dealing with life, despite its inevitable setbacks. The writing is engaging, and while it's not a "feel good" type of book, there's a subtle lesson for all of us in the story regarding staying positive and making the best of the life you're given. ( )

Not as good as the first two, I still really enjoyed this third Frank Bascombe book. It starts slowly, but soon takes off. The narrator has a ton of personality and humor, and is always interjecting Deep Thoughts on life, aging, community, and New Jersey real estate. ( )