Follow The Fugitive

In a world where the only thing more elusive than a good cup of tea is a straightforward plot, Dorothy Ison’s 1970 masterpiece, "Follow the Fugitive," emerges like a slightly soggy biscuit at the bottom of a teacup. Set against the charmingly chaotic backdrop of mid-century confusion, this novel spins an intricate web of intrigue that even a cat chasing a laser pointer would struggle to follow. With its Arrow Books imprint, the vibe is decidedly vintage, as if it knows something you don’t—like that you probably shouldn’t have spent your last fiver on it, but here we are.

What makes "Follow the Fugitive" truly captivating is its brilliant ability to make you question the very nature of reality—or at least the nature of your decision-making skills when it comes to book shopping. Is the fugitive a metaphor for lost socks, existential dread, or perhaps the quest for a decent biscuit? One can only speculate, as Ison’s prose dances delicately between clarity and the poetic haze of a caffeine-fueled existential crisis.

Our unnamed protagonist finds themselves embroiled in a series of events so convoluted that even a seasoned detective would throw up their hands and order a pint instead. Is it a case of mistaken identity? A chase that leads to an unexpectedly tragic tea party? Or perhaps a critique of society’s obsession with following trends, all while sidestepping the more pertinent issues like why the milk always seems to go sour after a particularly rainy day? The answers, my friend, lie somewhere in this curious tome, if you can manage to distinguish the answers from the random musings of a possibly mad author.

As readers embark on this journey—if we can even call it that—they may find themselves swept up in a narrative that feels like a roundabout with no exit. The prose is rich and full of quirk, leading us through a labyrinth of odd characters that include a disgraced librarian and a cat named Sir Whiskers, who may or may not hold the key to the entire mystery. One can only hope that by the end of it, you will have not only followed the fugitive but also taken a few detours into the bizarre and the utterly nonsensical.

Condition: This copy, lovingly sold by Crappy Old Books, is in good condition, which is like being told your half-eaten scone is still edible. Some yellowing of the pages adds a delightful touch of authenticity—a visual reminder that this book has seen things, urban legends, and many a rainy afternoon. The spine is slightly cracked, as if to say, “I’ve been through a lot, but I’m still standing.” The cover features an illustration that could only be described as “intriguingly baffling,” evoking the feeling that you might actually be better off reading the ingredients on a cereal box instead.

For those brave enough to delve into Ison’s world, expect more questions than answers, as well as a lingering sense of disbelief that you ever thought this book would make sense. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a literary puzzle—particularly one that leaves them puzzled and potentially questioning their life choices.

In a time when books were thick with the scent of paper and ink, "Follow the Fugitive" sits comfortably on the shelf next to your collection of “What Was I Thinking?” novels. It’s a quirky relic, a testament to the idea that sometimes, the real treasure is the confusion we encounter along the way. So grab your cuppa, sit back, and prepare for a read that may just lead you to rethink everything you thought you knew about literature—and potentially, about the fugitive that the title may or may not refer to.

Whether you’re a collector of the absurd, a lover of the strangely profound, or simply happen upon this book in a second-hand shop, remember to appreciate the delightful randomness that “Follow the Fugitive” brings to your life. After all, where else could you find a novel that feels as lost as you do after a long day of work? Only at Crappy Old Books.

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