One-line summary:
In “Lord of Misrule,” a gritty and darkly humorous novel by Jaimy Gordon, the world of horse racing serves as a backdrop for a cast of colorful characters struggling to survive and find redemption in a rundown West Virginia racetrack.
The Underbelly of Horse Racing
Set in the early 1970s, “Lord of Misrule” takes readers into the seedy world of horse racing at the fictional Indian Mound Downs, a dilapidated racetrack in West Virginia. The story revolves around a diverse group of characters, each with their own dreams, vices, and secrets.
Tommy Hansel, a small-time trainer, is determined to make a name for himself by winning races with his horse, Lord of Misrule. Maggie Koderer, a young woman with a troubled past, finds solace in working at the racetrack and becomes entangled in a dangerous romance with Tommy. Medicine Ed, an elderly groom, serves as a wise and mysterious figure, offering guidance to those who seek it.
As the characters navigate the treacherous world of horse racing, they encounter corruption, violence, and betrayal. The novel delves into the underbelly of the sport, exposing the harsh realities faced by those involved. From illegal gambling to horse doping, the dark side of the racing industry is laid bare.
A Gritty and Darkly Humorous Tale
Jaimy Gordon’s writing style in “Lord of Misrule” is both gritty and darkly humorous. She captures the rawness of the characters’ lives and the harshness of their surroundings with vivid and often poetic descriptions. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, showcasing the unique voices of each character.
The novel explores themes of hope, redemption, and the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity. Despite the grim circumstances, the characters find moments of joy and connection. Their resilience and determination to overcome their circumstances shine through, providing glimmers of hope in an otherwise bleak world.
A Cast of Colorful Characters
Gordon’s skillful characterization brings the cast of “Lord of Misrule” to life. Each character is flawed, complex, and deeply human. From Tommy’s ambition and recklessness to Maggie’s vulnerability and strength, the reader becomes emotionally invested in their journeys.
Medicine Ed, with his enigmatic wisdom and mystical connection to the horses, adds an element of mystique to the story. Other supporting characters, such as Two-Tie, a jockey with a troubled past, and Deucey, a horse owner with a penchant for gambling, further enrich the narrative.
Through their interactions and relationships, the characters reveal the complexities of human nature and the lengths people will go to in order to survive and find meaning in their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The world of horse racing can be a brutal and unforgiving environment, filled with corruption and violence.
- Even in the darkest of circumstances, there is room for hope, redemption, and connection.
- Characters who are flawed and complex can evoke empathy and provide insight into the human condition.
“The horses were so beautiful, and they seemed to be so happy, and they ran so fast, and they were so young, and they were so old, and they were so wild, and they were so tame, and they were so full of heart, and they were so full of fear, and they were so full of courage, and they were so full of love, and they were so full of themselves.”
In “Lord of Misrule,” Jaimy Gordon paints a vivid and gritty portrait of the world of horse racing, exploring the lives of a diverse cast of characters. Through their struggles and triumphs, the novel delves into themes of hope, redemption, and the pursuit of dreams. With its dark humor and raw storytelling, “Lord of Misrule” offers a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.
