‘Suttree’ is a fat one, a book with rude, startling power and a flood of talk. Much of it takes place on the Tennessee River, and Cormac McCarthy, who has written ‘The Orchard Keeper’ and other novels, gives us a sense of river life that reads like a doomed ‘Huckleberry Finn.’

The quote refers to a novel called "Suttree" by Cormac McCarthy, describing it as a powerful book that delves into river life with vivid and sometimes shocking dialogue. The author highlights how McCarthy’s work captures a sense of life along the Tennessee River, drawing comparisons to Mark Twain's classic tale "Huckleberry Finn," but with a more somber and foreboding tone.

To explore the deeper meaning behind this quote, it is essential to understand that McCarthy’s portrayal of river life in "Suttree" goes beyond mere storytelling. The book offers a gritty, unflinching look at poverty and societal outcasts, reflecting themes of isolation and existential despair. Jerome Charyn's comparison to "Huckleberry Finn" emphasizes the timeless nature of exploring the human condition through river narratives, but McCarthy’s work diverges from Twain’s optimistic journey by embracing darker realities. This contrasts sharply with the adventures of Huck and Jim, suggesting a more complex and challenging narrative for modern readers.

Jerome Charyn is an accomplished American novelist known for his works that often explore themes of urban life and crime in New York City. He has written over fifty books across various genres, including historical novels, biographies, and literary fiction. His expertise in literature and journalism allows him to critically analyze and appreciate the unique qualities of other authors' works, as evidenced by his insightful commentary on Cormac McCarthy’s "Suttree."