Author Tom Robbins, known for his whimsical and psychedelic novels, passed away at the age of 92. His wife, Alexa, announced his death on Facebook, and while the cause was not specified, she described him as brave, funny, and sweet during his final days. Robbins urged people to remember him by reading his books, which embodied “serious playfulness” and outlandishness.
Robbins’ novels, such as “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” and “Still Life With Woodpecker,” featured eccentric characters like a hitchhiker with 9-inch thumbs and a pacifist CIA operative in love with a nun. He aimed to blend fantasy, spirituality, sexuality, humor, and poetry in unique ways, wanting readers to feel like they do after a Fellini film or Grateful Dead concert.
Born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, Robbins honed his writing skills while working for newspapers in Richmond and Seattle. He found inspiration in music and developed his distinctive style after a Doors concert in 1967. His breakthrough novel, “Another Roadside Attraction,” involved the mummified body of Jesus ending up at a hot dog stand in the U.S. Northwest. Despite his popularity, critics deemed his plots formulaic and his writing style as overwrought.
Robbins, who preferred writing by hand on legal pads, took his time crafting each novel, often spending hours on word selection to create vivid metaphors. His works were filled with fantastical elements and strong female protagonists, appealing to a wide audience. Despite not receiving much love from the literary establishment, his books resonated with many readers. He is survived by his wife, children, and a legacy of uniquely imaginative storytelling.
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