A tongue-in-cheek, bittersweet, dark, comedic drama, Highway 71 describes the life and times of quirky, gay Sean Quigley. His ancestry is briefly sketched, and his childhood finds him intrinsically at odds with the lackluster monotony of his early, rural environment. The story chronicles the demise of an outwardly ideal, yet dysfunctional American family. As Sean's later years are chronicled, the book often resembles a memoir-like collection of short stories. The writing is like a snapshot of the people and places of his era, and his life also functions as a maypole for several adjacent dramas. Highway 71 ventures through alcoholism, anguish, bohemians, cancer, death, dreams, debauchery, grief, perseverance, small town life, senior citizens, surprises, work, and several interesting women, including: a wanton, wealthy, older, alcoholic aunt, a driven, working mother who loses her entire family to death, yet finds a new purpose, and two clever, resourceful, southern women. From a certain angle Highway 71 chronicles over one hundred years in America. Enjoy the book.
