The fictional setting of Thalia is based on Larry McMurtry's home town of Archer City. I didn't remember the characters of The Last Picture Show and so they were all new to me, but I didn't find it necessary to read the other books in the series first.
From the cover:
McMurtry brings the Thalia saga to an end with Duane confronting depression in the midst of plenty. Surrounded by his children, who all seem to be going through life crises involving sex, drugs and violence, his wife, Karla, who is wrestling with her own demons; and friends like Sonny, who seem to be dying, Duane can't seem to make sense of life anymore, and shocks his loves ones and the local countryside by giving up his pickup truck to go on foot . . .
My thoughts:
If you've ever lived in Texas you would instantly recognize each of the characters who seem to be resident in most small Texas towns. It was easy for me to picture the landscape around Duane's cabin. I loved the interaction with each of the characters and although Duane was trying to get away from everyone, he still drifted back to familiar friendships and family, while also trying to sever ties. Larry McMurtry's writing draws the reader in. Duane's Depression is going on my list of favorite reads for this year.
