Interviews with the Authorīooktopia has a podcast interview with Towles in which he talks about his wiring process as well as the backgrounds of each of the characters and some of the side stories he creates.īookfinity has a video interview with Towles that again talks about his writing process and reflecting on what the story is after he completes the first draft. Thoughtco provides a brief timeilne of the 1950s that helps frame what had and hadn’t occurred by the time the four travelers set out on their journey in June of 1954. Online Resources Historical PlacementĪmor Towles talks at length in his interviews about the historical placement of this tale, in particular the events that are soon to occur- desegregation, the advent of the birth control pill and rock and roll coming to the stage.

I recommend reading the book before the guide. Note that this guide, like all of the guides, may contain spoilers. So I hope that the following resources, character list, timeline and thematic topics will help you on your own journey deeper into the novel and its connections to your life. There is breadth of character development and a wide range of topics to explore in a discussion or for your own personal reflection. If you’re looking for a straightforward adventure tale this may not be to your liking. The novel shares light moments in the travels of the four main characters alongside some very deep, troubling and tragic moments. In any case, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the ancillary backstories as much as the travels from Nebraska to and around New York. Perhaps if I had read a print version, I might have found the stories too rambling at times or too repetitive. As a reader you really need to pay attention as the story moves from one character’s perspective to another’s. Listening to the novel on Audible, I thoroughly enjoyed the retelling of many of the scenes from the perspectives different characters. The Lincoln Highway is a journey in multiple layers- the escapades of a road trip, coming of age passages and a storytelling odyssey.

The lincoln highway book summary