Apparently, I read Willy Vlautin books in September. Last year, I read The Horse – a beautifully written, albeit sad, tale about talented musician (and severe alcoholic) Al Ward who is living a lonely existence. The story was rough, but the writing was great. Additionally, the book cover caught my eye because the horseshoe and guitar pick looked like a piece of art inspired by a country song.
This September, I read Vlautin’s recent release, The Left and the Lucky, which features another cool cover – a red muscle car with a young boy riding shotgun. While I was prepared for another tough narrative, because that is how Vlautin rolls, the eight-year-old boy aspect was another level. Similar to Al Ward in The Horse, Eddie Wilkens is a good guy. He is thoughtful, honest, hardworking, and cares about the people around him. He runs his own house painting business with a crew of misguided misfits who don’t always show up and never stop talking. Eddie’s next door neighbors are also a handful as they are comprised of a grandmother with dementia, an absentee mother who means well but works nights to make ends meet, a horrible teenage son named Curtis who is destructive and violent, and sweet little brother Russell who is afraid to leave his room because of Curtis.
As a mom, this story was extremely hard to read. My heart ached for Russell every time his older brother tortured him to the point of the police being called. From the beginning, it was clear that this poor kid suffers from so much anxiety and fear of abandonment that he puts himself at risk multiple times to avoid being anywhere near Curtis. That’s where Eddie comes in. After Russell shows up at his house multiple times, Eddie realizes that the young boy would rather spend time at his house than his own house. Thankfully, he is kind, welcoming, patient, and understanding. He gives Russell little jobs (like walking and feeding the dog named Early) to get his mind off his terrible home life. Eddie encourages Russell to eat better, do well in school, and takes him on job sites to ensure he doesn’t feel left behind. He does whatever it takes to protect Russell – including saving his life.
Stating that Eddie and Russell save each other is not a spoiler because Vlautin makes that clear on the book jacket, but reading the story and experiencing how the events unfold make the book a page-turner. The author writes real stories about everyday people who are trying their best to live their lives. They have hard lives and do their best to make the most of it. On another note, the details involving music remind the reader that the author is in two bands – Richmond Fontaine and The Delines – as he name-checks Tesla’s “Song and Emotion,” Vinyl Resting Place record store, and Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning.”
Although his narratives are despondent, what keeps me coming back is Vlautin’s incredible ability to write realistic dialogue. I can visualize all the characters by the way they speak and interact with one another on the page – especially Eddie and his group of painters. The author also does a heartbreakingly good job of giving Russell a voice. What a sweet boy with so much kindness and heart behind his tears. Vlautin also thrives on giving details about routine tasks and errands like Eddie scrubbing his hands after work, the random people Russell passes while riding his bike, and the stores they both walk by on the way to the local movie theater.
As with The Horse, The Left and the Lucky is all about unsung heroes and Eddie is definitely the hero of the story. He pays attention to what Russell needs, wants to know about his hobbies, likes, and dislikes, and understands his strengths and weaknesses. He’s there no matter what. That is what being a parent is all about.
Quotes
“She ain’t as tough as she thinks she is.”
“Remember to breathe. Most people forget to do that when they get upset.”
“At this point I don’t care what you do, but you gotta do something.”
“I’ve never minded bossy women. At least they know what they want.”
“Having someone need you so you don’t give up. That’s the luck.”
“You worry too much. You gotta let me do the worrying.”
Side Notes
A teacher named Mrs. Fleming is mentioned, as well as an iguana named Rex, and the movie Caddyshack.
In the Acknowledgements, Vlautin describes his female editor as “tough and smart” with “a heart the size of an ocean liner.” Love that. He also says that he “hated painting but sure loved hanging out with the painters.” It shows.
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