What do readers think of Lookaway, Lookaway by Wilton Barnhardt? Write your own review.

I loved this book! Acerbic witty prose, characters you love, and some you love to hate, and an engrossing storyline that kept me reading into the night.
Only cautionary note, this one might not be for those who are put off by strong language and graphic sexual references.

Was there ever a more dysfunctional family? Each character seemed less able to cope with what life gave them and what they made of their lives; dark family secrets aside. Wilton Barnhardt writes a fine novel of the South, with all the pathos of a Greek tragedy. Unfortunately it was painful to read at times, lacking humor and just hoping that someone in this family would find peace with themselves. It was well-written, the language was fluid and descriptive, but somehow lacked the depth of Pat Conroy's descriptions of Southern families. I would recommend this novel, a good book club read along with other novels of the South.

I usually passionately enjoy family sagas with the scope of this one, especially those set in the South, but this one was disappointing. Had I not committed to reviewing this for BookBrowse, I would have abandoned it. The pace was very slow, but worse was the lack of connection I felt for the characters. I hoped to care what happened from one chapter to the next, but, sadly this did not happen. I honor the incredible research exhibited by the author as well as his use of language, but these are not enough for me to recommend this book.

When I read the first chapter of "Lookaway, Lookaway," I thought I was reading another stereotypical southern novel: rich Daddy's good girl (Jerilyn) goes to college and then goes wild. The fraternity pranks reminded me of the movie "Animal House," but were not nearly as funny. I thought I was in for a disappointing read, until the next chapter when Gaston "speaks." The book was redeemed by his sarcasm and caustic wit. From that point forward, each character "speaks" and they all prove more interesting than Jerilyn. Jerene (Mama) is a typical upper class southern woman, very concerned with her image in the community, but she has some unique qualities and some secrets too.

The author's description of the family's Christmas dinner was such a disaster that it begs belief. How can one family have so much drama! Because I found the excessive amount of drama to be depressing, I really did not enjoy reading this book. However, I gave it four stars because it was well-written.

I wanted to like this book. At times I did. But ultimately, I felt it wasn't worth the time and effort. I love satire and sometimes Barnhardt delivered, but mostly the satire was on the mean side and very heavy-handed. There was more gay sex talk than there needed to be and Civil War history that would be interesting only to a true aficionado. Not my favorite. I debated over two or three stars...decided to be kind.

After slogging through the first chapter of this book (immature sorority and fraternity foolishness), it began to really get good! As expected in Southern families, each member is a Character! And each chapter gets you interested in that character - then you jump to another just as "unusual". I could identify with most of the family except Josh - whose overly descriptive chapter could have been omitted as far as I'm concerned! Love both the heads of the Johnston family - strong figures in their own identities. As I got into the book, I found I couldn't put it down - and did very little for two days but read - surprises throughout! I'm determined to read this author's other books, but I doubt they could be as absorbing as this one. Loved it!

My land. The question is can a lady of a certain age, who lives at that mud-wallow of a lake (Lake Norman,that is) write an unbiased review of "Lookaway,Lookaway"? Well she can try. Of course, Wilton Bernhardt, bless his heart, has written a satire. But we have to ask ourselves, should satire be subtle and light-hearted or heavy handed and just plain old mean. Perhaps the reader should decide for his or her self. Maybe a trip to Charlotte will help make up the mind.

This is a sprawling family saga of secrets and grudges told by members of the Jarvis Johnston clan. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different member of the family. The story went in many directions and reminded me of Tom Wolfe. I felt is was longwinded in some spots, especially concerning Southern Civil War history.