Wild Abandon

Will Ashton leaves his life in Melbourne behind after his relationship ends, embarking on an impulsive trip to the United States. Landing in New York City in 2011 during Occupy Wall Street, he begins a journey through America's post-GFC landscape. His travels take him through Detroit's urban decay and into the American West, where he connects with strangers in bars and motels. Along the way, Will works odd jobs and encounters both the harsh realities of American life and moments of unexpected connection. The narrative tracks Will's physical and psychological journey as he grapples with his past choices and uncertain future. Through his experiences in America's cities and deserts, he confronts questions about art, authenticity, and human connection. This novel explores themes of escape, self-discovery, and the space between abandonment and freedom. Through its cross-cultural lens, it examines both the mythology and reality of American life while considering how people rebuild themselves in unfamiliar territories.

Readers found the prose lyrical and atmospheric but noted the slow pacing and lack of clear narrative direction. Many connected with the main character's journey through grief and isolation in America, though some felt emotionally disconnected from his experiences. Liked: - Vivid descriptions of Detroit's abandoned buildings - Exploration of art and decay themes - Strong ending that ties elements together - Complex character study Disliked: - Meandering plot with limited forward momentum - Excessive internal monologues - Too much focus on architecture details - Character's passive nature frustrated some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (550+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (50+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Beautiful writing but needed more story" "Like wandering through a dream - atmospheric but unfocused" "The descriptions of Detroit's ruins are haunting" "Too much navel-gazing, not enough happening"

On the Road by Jack Kerouac A tale of cross-country travels through America captures the same sense of restless wandering and search for meaning present in Wild Abandon.

Close to the Knives by David Wojnarowicz This memoir of life in 1980s New York City explores art, counterculture, and personal transformation against a backdrop of social upheaval.

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai The story weaves through Chicago's art scene and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, mirroring Wild Abandon's exploration of art communities and cultural turning points.

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert A woman's immersion in New York City's theater world during the 1940s chronicles the same journey of self-discovery through art and bohemian circles.

The Electric Hotel by Dominic Smith The narrative follows characters through the early days of cinema across multiple continents, echoing Wild Abandon's exploration of artistic pursuit and personal transformation.

🌿 Emily Bitto's Wild Abandon was inspired by the true story of Terry Thompson, who released dozens of exotic animals from his private zoo in Ohio before taking his own life in 2011. 🗽 The novel's main character, Will, embarks on his journey during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, a period that dramatically transformed New York City's social and economic landscape. 🏆 Emily Bitto previously won the Stella Prize in 2015 for her debut novel The Strays, making her one of Australia's most celebrated contemporary authors. 🦁 The book explores the complex world of private exotic animal ownership in America, where an estimated 5,000-7,000 tigers live in captivity—more than exist in the wild. 🎨 Wild Abandon weaves together multiple art forms, including taxidermy and sculpture, to examine themes of preservation, decay, and humanity's relationship with the natural world.