Stepping Westward

Malcolm Bradbury

28 June 2012
9781447205616
416 pages

Synopsis

Frustrated novelist James Walker is setting off for the heartland of America to reinvigorate himself after years spent living a drab life in a drab English city. The institution for which he is destined, Benedict Arnold University – ‘Take a BA at BA’ – is still in the grip of McCarthyism, but Walker soon discovers that certain members of BA’s academic staff insist that he throws himself right into the swing of things . . .

Characterized by Bradbury’s trademark satirical wit, Stepping Westward expertly explores the push-pull relationship of ’60s modernism and ’50s reservation.

‘A satirist of great assurance and accomplishment.’ Observer
‘Highly entertaining’ Margaret Drabble