LitPick Review
Magically transported to a world of fame and fortune, Dwight Bridges is living the dream. Except it is not really his. During the 1970s U.S. oil crisis, Dwight’s auto dealership is struggling, and he needs someone to blame. But when he is inexplicably transported to glamorous Las Vegas, he finds himself in the body of Richie Ritchie, the world's most worshiped comedian who also happens to be Jewish. As he takes the stage, Dwight is met with a roaring crowd, but he realizes he has no idea how to be Richie Ritchie. So, he announces, “My name is Bridges, Dwight Bridges. I’m an automobile dealer from Hoggzswallow Hollow, West Virginia.” This is met with ”a rising crescendo of laughter and a storm of beating palms.” As Richie, he begins to enjoy the notoriety. As Dwight, he must confront his prejudices while trying to find his way back home to Hoggzswallow Hollow, West Virginia; otherwise, his identity may be consumed by an alternate dimension.
Opinion:
Deadpan is a mind-bending journey through time and identity, filled with humor and meaningful lessons on acceptance and understanding. It can also be said that Richard Walter has created a unique satirical commentary on fear and stupidity, also known as bigotry. This book can be described as having a split personality: the story of Richie Ritchie and the story of Dwight Bridges. Richie is a world-famous comedian with a full head of hair and a Jewish background. Dwight is a struggling auto dealer with a bald head and a bigoted attitude. Aside from Richie and Dwight, the book also includes many famous personalities from the 1970s. Adding to the satirical nature of this novel, the famous are presented in ways that allow the reader to imagine what could have been, if only. Walters provides the reader with vivid descriptions and details, but because of the number of alternate realities, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the settings. Also, though unnecessary, Walter chose to restate identical descriptions of a tele-transporter several times throughout the book. Overall, Walter masterfully tackles intolerance in a theatrical way. Readers who enjoy adult humor and social commentary with a dose of time travel will not want to miss Deadpan.
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