The Last American Man

Wow. Really enjoyed it. I feel like Gilbert hit her stride with this book much more so than with “[b:Eat, Pray, Love 19501 Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1269870432s/19501.jpg 3352398].” It is such a talent to be able to capture someone sensitively, warts and all, but that is exactly what Gilbert did for the obviously complex (although I suppose we're all complex) Eustace Conway, not to mention provide some interesting and unique insight into the idea of American masculinity. Conway is endearing and infuriating in equal amounts, and I finished the book wanting desperately to know what he is up to this very minute. My one complaint is a small one–given Conway's evident desire for privacy and peace of mind, it seems curious that Gilbert, even though she and Conway are obviously close friends (I think Gilbert dated one of Conway's brothers?), would allow her completely unfettered access to his diary and personal letters. I think this truly excellent work of non-fiction would have been even more excellent had Gilbert examined how Conway's motivation to allow her to explore his life is another–at times conflictual (is that a word?)–facet of his personality.