Inherent Vice

By: Thomas Pynchon

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Part noir, part psychedelic romp, all Thomas Pynchon--Private eye Doc Sportello surfaces, occasionally, out of a marijuana haze to watch the end of an era

In this lively yarn, Thomas Pynchon, working in an unaccustomed genre that is at once exciting and accessible, provides a classic illustration of the principle that if you can remember the sixties, you weren't there.

It's been a while since Doc Sportello has seen his ex- girlfriend. Suddenly she shows up with a story about a plot to kidnap a billionaire land developer whom she just happens to be in love with. It's the tail end of the psychedelic sixties in L.A., and Doc knows that "love" is another of those words going around at the moment, like "trip" or "groovy," except that this one usually leads to trouble. Undeniably one of the most influential writers at work today, Pynchon has penned another unforgettable book.©2009 Thomas Pynchon; (P)2009 Penguin Audio

It's like the 60's man!

An excellant recreation of a time that's hard to believe unless you lived through it. A good story is told with a great sense of humour!

Great protagonist, Dude!

Surprising that the pothead PI is so timely. Very enjoyable character, who at bottom is a straight arrow while accepting of every kind of person, crook or cop, in his inimitable laid-back weed-softened way.

Ron McLarty is perfect for this book

Love Pynchon. Loved this book. Ron McLarty is the perfect narrator for this book. He makes the characters come alive and really sets the scene/pace. I wish he did more of Pynchon's work (as some of the narrators are rather wretched). If you like Pynchon, then this is a no-brainer. If you don't know who Pynchon is but you do like clever writing with real characters who mess up just as much as you do in your own life--then you need to read this book (or at least have it read to you by the masterful Ron McLarty).

My favorite Pynchon novel rendered beautifully

I've listened to this performance twice now. Ron Mclarty does a wonderful job narrating and singing, bringing Pynchon's zany characters and universe to hazy life.

Great, despite a slow start

This is a great book; would love to read it now that I have listened to it. A word of warning, however: the beginning is slow and it takes a little while to get into it. But have patience! It is well worth it.