In Herschel's Wake

By: Michael Wohl

Narrated by: Michael Wohl

Like father like son.... Like it or not!

Herschel Wohl was many things: twice-divorced astrologer, pharmacology professor, failed novelist, on-the-lam drug-runner, manual typewriter thief, Aikido white belt, possible communist, and temporary resident of the little-known island of Statia. He was also a father.

When Herschel dies unexpectedly just before his 71st birthday, his adult son Michael has to travel 4,000 miles and overcome four decades of filial resentment to pick up Herschel’s pieces. Along the way Michael must reconnect with a forgotten half-brother, reconcile with an overeducated, underachieving sister, and reckon with his ambivalence about religion.

With no modern funerary services available on the tiny island, the three estranged siblings are left to bury their enigmatic patriarch by themselves, and by hand. As one day stretches into three and they wonder if they’ll ever get the bastard in the ground, they are forced to confront their complicated relationships, not only with their charismatic but irresponsible father, but also—and perhaps more importantly—with each other.

In Herschel’s Wake is a darkly funny examination of faith, funerals, family, and f*cked up fathers, but most of all, it’s about forgiveness.

©2022 Michael Wohl (P)2023 Michael Wohl

Fantastic and engaging!

I loved this book so much. It was so relatable, funny, raw, sincere, and honest. I highly recommend it to anyone.

A magnificant performance of a delightful book!

A heartfelt, funny and engaging story about a man finally coming of age after nearly forty years. This should be a movie!!

Honoring the complex nature of fatherhood

Michael Wohl’s honest writing and kind performance deliver a funny, insightful, and thought-provoking reflection on his complicated relationship with his father and his death. This is truly the work of a great storyteller, featuring a meaningful story and diverse characters. How we remember the ones we have lost is a critical component of our lives, and I couldn’t recommend this recollection more highly!

I didn’t want it to end…

I didn’t want it to end. During the 30 something chapter, I started listening to it more slowly, in snippets, to try to make it last longer. But I couldn’t do that either….so, I’m listening to it again. There were parts in which I found myself thinking about my own father and then I’d have to hit the 30 sec rewind button.
This book will have you laughing and crying. The honesty was endearing. Highly recommend, especially if you too have an effed up relationship with your father. Or mother. But even if you don’t.