Still Life with Woodpecker
Still Life with Woodpecker is not exactly as advertised. The back of the book claims it “is sort of a love story that takes place inside a pack of Camel cigarettes” (Robbins, back cover). Knowing Tom Robbins’ quirkiness, I figured he’d be just the type of guy to write a novel that literally involved two cigarettes falling in love. Turns out, it’s actually about two unlikely lovers (an exiled princess, Leigh-Cheri, and a dynamite-obsessed outlaw, Bernard) who bond through symbolism in the cig’s package while separated.
I fell in love with Robbins when I read Even Cowgirls Get the Blues. His novels are creatively feminist in a way that empowers both women and men. He also really likes to talk about sex. This particular novel addresses the burdens and wonders of female reproduction. Robbins’ female characters use their womanhood to their advantage instead of allowing biology and society to bring them down. Yet men are not shunned in this process—they have a role.
Robbins revises the princess story prototype, having the princess play the hero. Leigh-Cheri says, “‘Fairy tales and myths are dominated by accounts of rescued princesses…isn’t it about time that a princess returned the favor?” (Robbins, 16) Still, Bernard does not lose his heroic attributes. He doesn’t want to “save” her or affirm her every thought; he challenges her and picks apart her ideas, which ultimately helps her refine them.
Robbins sometimes reminds me of Vonnegut. They both use peculiar metaphors and goofy puns. They both make their books interconnected, leaving little Easter Eggs in each. They’re both socially conscious, making poetic digs at established systems. Vonnegut does have a stronger science-fiction streak, while Robbins’ esotericism is more of this world. That being said, if you enjoy Vonnegut, chances are you’ll enjoy Robbins and vice versa.
I clearly admire Robbins’ work and I think he’s a pretty chill guy IRL. He makes fantastical tales relatable and serves satire on a platter well-done. Still, I enjoyed Even Cowgirls Get the Blues much more than Still Life with Woodpecker. Perhaps having already been exposed to his style, I was less shocked by his skills and thus slightly less impressed? Still Life with Woodpecker earns 3 out of 5 flames. While the story has plenty of Robbins-pizzazz, there were moments when I was not as engaged with the Camel-box symbolism and wished it had been a story of two literal cigarettes falling in love. If you’re a Robbins-virgin, I recommend Cowgirls—it has the same basic feminist values appealing to both sexes but packs a bigger punch.
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