Stationmaster Douglas Jones and his remote country town of Bangle are perfectly suited: inconsequential specks in the universe, left behind as the world hurtles like a freight train toward the age of computers. But when Douglas’s only friend is killed in a hit-and-run and the police won’t lift a finger, it’s time to pick up his copy of The Art of War and prepare for battle. He just needs to lose a few kilos first.
Who killed flamboyant celebrity lawyer, Bill Carlisle? And why? As Douglas discovers Bill’s shady deals and how many enemies he has in town, a clearer picture is painted about the man everybody knew as Wild Bill. Frustrated by the police’s lethargic investigation, Douglas takes it upon himself to find Bill’s killer only to entangle himself with a relentless Comanchero bikie, disastrous romantic dalliances, and a deadly accident that puts him in the sights of organised crime detectives and a seductive assassin. Can’t a guy have a mid-life crisis in peace?
An ode to the tragicomic characters of Kingsley Amis, Jonathon Coe, Evelyn Waugh and their vintage, The Derailing of Douglas Jones follows a man fighting his every urge to be safe and predictable, with catastrophic consequences.
Matt Strempel's The Derailing of Douglas Jones is a compelling exploration of an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Douglas Jones, a 40-year-old stationmaster in a small town, embodies a cautious, risk-averse life governed by his belief in the Ledger of Fortune, where every joy is counterbalanced by sorrow. This philosophical axiom keeps Douglas in a state of existential stasis, limiting his life to routine and a peculiar hobby of painting miniature stamps. Strempel masterfully sets the stage for Douglas's mid-life crisis as technological advances threaten his job and his only friend, Bill Carlisle, is killed in a hit-and-run. Discontent with the police’s lack of commitment to the investigation, Douglas begins his investigation, rapidly descending into chaos, putting him into the crosshairs of organized crime and a target of a killer.
The narrative deftly combines dark comedy and existential drama elements, reminiscent of Kingsley Amis and Evelyn Waugh, portraying Douglas's transformation from a passive observer to an active participant in a world of organized crime and romantic entanglements. The novel shines in its portrayal of Douglas’s character arc. Initially, Douglas is a figure of routine and restraint, his life defined by the safety of predictability. The depth of his character is revealed through his internal struggles and the ethical dilemmas he faces, particularly when Bill, his charismatic yet legally dubious friend, invites him to engage in morally questionable activities. This pivotal moment sets Douglas on a collision course with his fears and limitations.
Strempel's writing is witty and poignant, capturing the beauty of small-town life and human relationships. The dialogue, especially between Douglas and Bill, is rich with subtext, revealing the underlying tensions and affections that define their friendship. The scene at the train station, where Bill proposes a minor act of mail theft, encapsulates the novel's blend of humor and moral questioning, showcasing Douglas’s resistance to change and Bill’s carefree risk-taking. Douglas encounters increasingly dangerous and bizarre situations as he dives deeper into his self-appointed investigation. His interactions with Amelia, a seductive assassin with a dark past, further complicate his journey. Amelia's character is layered with intrigue and danger. Their relationship, marked by fear and fascination, highlights Douglas’s struggle for meaning and connection.
The Derailing of Douglas Jones is not just a mystery or a thriller; it's a profound commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of fate, morality, and the search for significance. Strempel's narrative deftly balances the mundane and the extraordinary, making Douglas’s journey relatable and compelling. The novel's conclusion leaves readers contemplating the delicate balance between risk and safety, joy and sorrow, and the cost of living a meaningful life.
In the sleepy town of Bangle, Douglas Jones, a reserved stationmaster, struggles with the Ledger of Fortune's cruel balance: every joy is matched by sorrow. Stuck in a rut at 40, his existence revolves around caution, his legacy reduced to postage stamp paintings. But when his only friend dies in a hit-and-run, Douglas's world unravels in unexpected ways. Frustrated by the authorities’ lackluster investigation, Douglas begins a quest for justice, unwittingly entangling himself into a world of organized crime, deadly romance, and accidents. As chaos ensues, Douglas faces a tragedy, drawing the attention of law enforcement and a dangerous assassin.
What sets Strempel's storytelling apart is his ability to evoke a vivid sense of place, painting a picture of Bangle that is as haunting as it is captivating. From the solemn cannons of World War I to the faded beauty of its wide streets and stone churches, Bangle emerges as a character in its own right—a town haunted by its past yet resilient in the face of adversity. As Douglas navigates a world of danger and mystery, readers are treated to a thrilling tale filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. Strempel's descriptive prose and intricate plotlines keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages in anticipation of what lies ahead. The descriptions are terrific, infused with metaphors and vivid imagery: “The words leaped out at him, gnashing their disfigured teeth.” Here is a poignant way of capturing the confrontation with the mystery of death: “The steam lifted in tangled threads, and the sun warmed his face. It was callous the world carried on, as beautiful a day as you could wish for, indifferent to the tragic death of one of its children.” Themes of risk, regret, and redemption are brilliantly explored. The Derailing of Douglas Jones by Matt Strempel is cleverly plotted, infused with humor, and balanced. Reminiscent of classic literary misfits, Douglas's journey in The Derailing of Douglas Jones is a tragicomic homage to characters of yore, a tale of one man's struggle against his predictability, with catastrophic repercussions looming.
