Sometimes a Great Notion

By: Ken Kesey

Ken Kesey's novel "Sometimes a Great Notion" represents a multi-generational story of a lumber family working in Oregon. The Stampers are known locally and (social) resentments exist also multi-generationally. Kesey structures the work to include perspective shifts and narrative shifts in terms of time period. With this in mind, Kesey begins the novel with conflict. A union organizer confronts Hank Stamper and later approaches his wife, Viv. The scene with the two opens the door for a flashback of previous events, which make up the bulk of the storyline. The flashback consists of the origin of the Stamper family and problems that caused friction between them and their town. By the end of "Sometimes a Great Notion," Kesey reveals the true character of Viv, ending the work with her leaving on a bus.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B000QG0SUA
• Release Date: August 1965
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 599 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.2" x 6.9"