When the Light Goes by Larry McMurtry

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


When the Light Goes, by Larry McMurtry, appears to be the last in a series of novels (The Last Picture Show, Texasville, and Duane's Depressed) that follows the often hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking life of Duane Moore, a West Texas oilman. In this latest novel, we find Duane returning to his hometown, Thalia, from a trip to Egypt.  Once home, Duane finds that in the short time that he was gone, much has changed.  As the novel continues, Duane grapples with the fact that most of his family and friends have either died or moved elsewhere, leaving him in a town that doesn't feel much like home anymore.  To add to his dilemma, Duane also discovers that he has a serious health issue.  However, Duane meets a young woman, Anne Cameron, who rekindles his dwindling sexual desires and his interest in life, ultimately helping him decide where he belongs. 

Though not as developed as, and more erotic than, the other novels in this series, When the Light Goes is classic McMurtry, complete with quirky characters, humor, and real emotion. Assuming this is the last in the series, it is a fitting conclusion to the life of Duane Moore.   



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