Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates Audiobook By Tom Robbins cover art

Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates

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Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates

By: Tom Robbins
Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka
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"Tom Robbins has a grasp on things that dazzles the brain and he's also a world-class storyteller."
--Thomas Pynchon

In Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates, his seventh and biggest novel, the wise, witty, always gutsy Tom Robbins brings onstage the most complex and compelling character he has ever created.

Switters is a contradiction for all seasons: an anarchist who works for the government, a pacifist who carries a gun, a vegetarian who sops up ham gravy, a cyberwhiz who hates computers, a robust bon vivant who can be as squeamish as any fop, a man who, though obsessed with the preservation of innocence, is aching to deflower his high-school-age stepsister (only to become equally enamored of a nun ten years his senior).

Yet there is nothing remotely wishy-washy about Switters. He doesn't merely pack a pistol. He is a pistol.

And as we dog Switters's strangely elevated heels across four continents, in and out of love and danger, Robbins explores, challenges, mocks, and celebrates virtually every major aspect of our mercurial era.

As many readers well know, to describe a Tom Robbins plot does not begin to describe a Tom Robbins novel. Moreover, the internationally acclaimed, best-selling author, with his love of language, nuance, and surprise, is as opposed to story summations as J.D. Salinger. It is revealing, however, to learn what things Robbins lists as having influenced the writing of Fierce Invalids:

"This book was inspired by an entry from Bruce Chatwin's journal, by a CIA agent I met in Southeast Asia, by the mystery surrounding the lost prophecy of the Virgin of Fatima, by the increasing evidence that the interplay of opposites is the engine that runs the universe, and by embroidered memories of old Terry and the Pirates comic books."

Robbins also has said that throughout the writing of Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates he was guided by the advice of Julia Child: "Learn to handle hot things. Keep your knives sharp. Above all, have a good time."

Perhaps that is why he has managed to write a provocative, rascally novel that takes no prisoners--and yet is upbeat, romantic, meaningful, adventurous, edifying, and fun. Action & Adventure Classics Education Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Fiction Funny Witty
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Critic reviews

"In his seventh, and perhaps most complex novel to date, Robbins shines as brilliantly as he has in the past...superb current social commentary."
--New York Post
Philosophical Insights • Colorful Characters • Humorous Dialogue • Engaging Adventure • Clever Wordplay

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Those uncomfortable with lewd language or frank discussion of mildly aberrant sexual behaviors are not likely to enjoy this book…but I loved it.

Offbeat, witty, surprising, funny and interesting. Who could ask for more?

The narration was wonderful, with tone and timing complimenting the complex and challenging writing perfectly.

Perfection

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This was my first experience with a Tom Robbins novel, but man, can this guy string together a sentence. I found myself wanting to stop and write some of his words down so they could come out of my mouth some day. It took me a while to "get into" his style, but once I did, I found this book to be great fun.

Incredible Words

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Despite what some of the other reviewers wrote, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the interesting and somewhat crazy happenings to the main character. I listened to this with one of my girlfriends while on a road trip, and contrary to what the other reviewer stated, we, both being of the female persuasion, enjoyed it immensely and would like more of the same. It is funny, outlandish, and refreshing in my opinion. It is one of the best comedic downloads I've gotten in my 2+ years with Audible.

very enjoyable, laughed out loud a few times

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This book was very entertaining. So many personal conflicts (ying and yang), such humor and philosophy. Interresting use of the language. At first I was a little confused and not real interesed, but after a couple of chapters the humor started sinking in and the story started taking shape. After that I was hooked. Some of the "facts" about Fatima turn out to be in error, which is a little distracting, but still an entertaining read. I recommend it but it is R rated and not for sensitive folks.

Very good

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I normally listen at x3 speed. I just prefer it that way. Couldn't be done here. I needed time to chew.

Full of Creamy and Savory Wisdom

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