The Lay of the Land

Richard Ford wrote The Lay of the Land, which was published in 2006. The third book in the Frank Bascombe trilogy, Ford follows the life of Frank Bascombe. Frank is a middle-aged real estate agent and former sportswriter.

Set in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the novel follows Frank as he navigates the his personal and professional life. Frank is now in his sixties and faces the challenges of aging. His health concerns force him to focus on his past choices.

The story takes place over Thanksgiving weekend, during which Frank encounters various characters and confronts his own mortality. He reflects on his failed marriages, the loss of his son, and the changing landscape of America. Throughout the narrative, Frank grapples with his identity, relationships, and the meaning of life.

The Lay of the Land delves into themes of family, regret, and the search for meaning. Ford's writing captures the emotional complexities of Frank's experiences and the broader social and cultural context of contemporary America.