
John Gardner's novel Mickelsson's Ghosts follows the protagonist, Peter J. Mickelsson, a flawed philosophy professor facing a multitude of personal and professional challenges. Mickelsson's life spirals into disorder as he grapples with failed relationships, financial ruin, and haunted thoughts. Seeking solace, he purchases a haunted farmhouse in Pennsylvania, where he confronts his inner demons while attempting to renovate the decaying property. The narrative delves into Mickelsson's existential struggles, his haunted psyche, and his futile attempts to escape the ghosts of his past.
Gardner weaves a rich tapestry of philosophical musings, psychological turmoil, and existential crises in Mickelsson's Ghosts. Through Mickelsson's flawed character, the novel explores themes of passion, reason, chaos, and redemption. The writing style immerses the reader in Mickelsson's inner dialogue and external challenges, presenting a compelling portrait of a man on the brink of self-destruction.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of mental illness, financial distress, and complicated romantic entanglements.
Has Romance?
There are elements of romance, particularly seen through Mickelsson's interactions with various women, albeit in a complicated and flawed manner.
From The Publisher:
Gardner's final novel: a delicate tapestry of literary genres that create a wonderfully mysterious and ambitious narrative As Peter Mickelsson's brilliant career as a professor at Brown University winds down, he suffers from alcoholism and is on the brink of divorce. Seeking a new start, Mickelsson moves to an old farmhouse in the Pennsylvania countryside to take a position at Bingham University. But when mysterious supernatural events begin to occur, it becomes clear that these new surroundings will not provide a refuge for this troubled man, but rather prompt an introspective look into the ultimate value of his life's work. With distinctive style and linguistic mastery, author John Gardner weaves together a string of extraordinary plots that culminate in an unforgettable conclusion. This ebook features a new illustrated biography of John Gardner, including original letters, rare photos, and never-before-seen documents from the Gardner family and the University of Rochester Archives.
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Mickelsson's Ghosts?
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