In Denis Johnson's book entitled Jesus'
Son, it seems that the author is telling the story of a drifter and drug
addict, whose life is a "car wreck," but that in doing so, he is introducing us to other
lost souls who are running away from the "car wreck" that defines
their lives, searching for something of
value.
As you believe there is a deeper meaning in this
book, some of the people the narrator meets also believe there is more to life than
first meets the eye. While they search for a deeper meaning to
life, the narrator lacks focus or purpose.
Critics see
Johnson's work as a way for him to address issues surrounding Catholicism. The book is
presented as "a purgatory of sorts," where there is a chance to make things right, but
the narrator isn't interested—yet, while others around him are trying to find their
way.
Perhaps it is the need of a kind of salvation that
Johnson refers to—for example, this is the case with Georgie, the orderly in the
hospital. He speaks of wanting a church, worship and a chapel, but the narrator is
oblivious. As said, he isn't "there" yet. Johnson is non-judgmental, which is,
ironically, a Christ-like behavior. The story, then, may be about surviving, doing our
best, and finding the best life has to offer.
The world of Jesus’ Son is
one in which the characters, especially the narrator, are nostalgic for a better life, a
life with a deeper spiritual
meaning...
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