Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates

By: Tom Robbins

Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

Length: 16 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

"Tom Robbins has a grasp on things that dazzles the brain and he's also a world-class storyteller." (Thomas Pynchon)

In Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates, his seventh and biggest novel, the wise, witty, always gutsy Tom Robbins brings onstage the most complex and compelling character he has ever created. 

Switters is a contradiction for all seasons: an anarchist who works for the government, a pacifist who carries a gun, a vegetarian who sops up ham gravy, a cyberwhiz who hates computers, a robust bon vivant who can be as squeamish as any fop, a man who, though obsessed with the preservation of innocence, is aching to deflower his high-school-age stepsister (only to become equally enamored of a nun ten years his senior). 

Yet there is nothing remotely wishy-washy about Switters. He doesn't merely pack a pistol. He is a pistol. 

And as we dog Switters's strangely elevated heels across four continents, in and out of love and danger, Robbins explores, challenges, mocks, and celebrates virtually every major aspect of our mercurial era.As many readers well know, to describe a Tom Robbins plot does not begin to describe a Tom Robbins novel. Moreover, the internationally acclaimed, best-selling author, with his love of language, nuance, and surprise, is as opposed to story summations as J.D. Salinger. 

It is revealing, however, to learn what things Robbins lists as having influenced the writing of Fierce Invalids:

"This book was inspired by an entry from Bruce Chatwin's journal, by a CIA agent I met in Southeast Asia, by the mystery surrounding the lost prophecy of the Virgin of Fatima, by the increasing evidence that the interplay of opposites is the engine that runs the universe, and by embroidered memories of old Terry and the Pirates comic books.

"Robbins also has said that throughout the writing of Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates he was guided by the advice of Julia Child: "Learn to handle hot things. Keep your knives sharp. Above all, have a good time." 

Perhaps that is why he has managed to write a provocative, rascally novel that takes no prisoners - and yet is upbeat, romantic, meaningful, adventurous, edifying, and fun. 

©2000 Tom Robbins (P)2000 Random House, Inc.

Critic Reviews

• Winner, 2001 Audie Award, Fiction, Unabridged

"Tom Robbins... has again deputized himself to carry the freak flag of irreverence and fleshly indulgence." (The New York Times Book Review)

Wildly entertaining-excellent naration!

If you find the beginning slow or confusing, stick with it, after ten or fifteen minutes it will all begin to congeal and you will be hooked and submersed completely.

I've been an avid audio book listener for about fifteen years, an Audible member for several years, and this is quite possibly my all-time favorite. The narration of this is perfect, in my opinion. Keith Szarabajka did such an outstanding job reading, his characters came to life more vibrantly than any other audio book I have listened to. The story is engrossing and seductive, with moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity. Obvious high points include Maestra's character and her relationship with Switters, which is hysterical. The voices of the random and vastly different characters were so well done that at no point did I ever have to try to figure out who was speaking (which does happen rather often with heavy dialog in audio books). Robbin's entertaining use of language and his skillful weaving of cultural details makes reading or listening to this book feel like a journey. To anyone who has traveled in third world countries and ventured outside the beaten path of the big cities, the descriptions of Switters' adventures will ring bells.

Being a woman and a feminist, I beg to differ with the two reviewers who claim this book is not suitable for most women. It's likely to offend the people who don't "get" Robbins voice. He addresses taboo subjects in a very unapologetic way, but his stories are like onions--they have layers. Pay attention.

Sixteen hours of good stuff. What a bargain! And so many great one-liners that you will be insisting your friends read or listen to it so they will get your jokes. I laughed so hard at a few passages that I had to loan my headphones to the stranger sitting next to me on a flight, in order to explain, and even though he only listened to a few minutes of it, he was laughing out loud himself and writing the name of the book down, thanking me. You will too!

Best Robbins Ever

Your average Joe and Jane will find this book offensive and uncomfortable. Seekers, freaks, and the open minded will likely find a great deal of brain candy and laughs within. Hunter S. Thompson might have even liked this one... if he was feeling abnormally positive that day.

Clever and funny!

I read this book years ago but I think I enjoyed it even more listening to it. The witty illiterations are more effective when heard than read, and I don't have to stop reading to laugh. In fact, I'm going to but another Robbins' book as soon as I finnish this review.
Robbins' criticisms of organized religions have lost some of their venom since "Another Roadside Attraction," and feel almost as if he is disappointed that they haven't done something more spiritual with all of the faithful followers they have.
Don't be dissuaded by some of the reviews here that are shocked and appalled by the sexuality of the book. As Sailor Boy the Parrot would tell them, "People of the World, Relax!"

Fierce Invalids Home form Hot Climates

I am a fan! I have listened to and/or read this book six or seven times. It is a treasured favorite -- right up there, with its close second, Jitterbug Perfume.

Somehow in this quirky atmosphere of cheerful contradiction, Mr. Robbins has managed to portray what Robert Graves called The Triple Goddess -- the Maiden (Suzy), the Mother (stretch that a bit for Domino), and the Crone (Maestra). Each of these characters, and Switters himself (the main character), is portrayed with gleefully ribald sensitivity -- "If I may call it that."

Listening to this is time very well spent, inasmuch as one of the most remarkable aspects of Mr. Robbins' writing is his ability to educate readers with respect his opinions (always astute) concerning fascinating issues both well-known and not so well-known -- Finnegan's Wake, the Virgin of Fatima, some Middle Eastern matters,the Catholic Church, the CIA, and Peruvian jungle shamans, to name a few.

Fierce Invalids is not for everyone. If you shudder at things of a bold sexual nature, or at words that are ancient and expressive, but still feared, then by all means, skip this one.

Otherwise enjoy!

Good, not great

I am a huge Tom Robbins fan, so I really enjoyed the book, but it's not his best work. The nonsensical plotlines at times seem actually nonsensical rather than delightful and playful. Still a good listen, but not top 10.

Perfection

Those uncomfortable with lewd language or frank discussion of mildly aberrant sexual behaviors are not likely to enjoy this book…but I loved it.

Offbeat, witty, surprising, funny and interesting. Who could ask for more?

The narration was wonderful, with tone and timing complimenting the complex and challenging writing perfectly.

hysterical page-turner

This was the very first audiobook I listened to and I loved it. Robbins creates great characters who are both funny and have fun, and wind up in the oddest places. Had me wishing I was the title character in this book! Covers a wide geographical area and more cultures than I could name in a sympathetic yet humorous way. A very good read.

Fierce wahoo

This story mixes genres, with spy stuff, social comment and travel narrative blended with a touch of surrealism. If Hunter Thompson had collaborated with Tom Clancy, perhaps they might have come up with this tale. At first the mix seems a little forced, and the narrator (Keith Szarabajka) echoes the Tom Robbins’ vague air of smugness, but the story settles down in a random sort of way. The author’s obvious love of language sometimes gets in the way of his writing, but, overall, his sense of “wahoo” will win you over. A warning: This one is not for the easily offended.

A treat for me!

If you enjoy the eclectic I don't see how you wouldn't love this. The improbable plot is secondary to the amazing jumble of observations, ideas, and theories. I found myself laughing out loud to hear a few oddball ideas that I thought were my own echoed in this book. Our hero is flawed and full of contradictions and weirdness, just as real people are. This book requires you to spend a long time in Tom Robbins' world as he meanders through life, the universe, and everything - so I suggest listening to the entire audio sample, and if you find it more intriguing than annoying, go for it!

Funny, outlandish and irreverent

This is my favorite Tom Robbins book. I read the book first and truly enjoyed Robbins' unique use of the language and his humor. For some unknown reason I decided to pick up the audible book as well and spend another sixteen hours in Robbins' company.

While I would have guessed that Robbins is far better read than listened to, Keith Szarabajka proved me wrong. This is a great narrator that gives justice to Robbins' story.

Don't get turned off by the length of the book if you are not already a Robbins fan. This book might just make you a believer!

Great audiobook

Excellent as always from Robbins. Narrator is great, but would recommend listening at 90% speed

Wahoo

As good no even better than expected if not slightly look over your shoulder ish!