TRANSIT U.S.A.

A modern allegory, in the story of Curly Martin, symbol of the millions who can't believe that those higher up aren't going to do the rosy things they promise, and whose faith cost him everything he valued, but won him new friends and better understanding. Curly had been jipped of his right to an individual existence on the Island where he was born (off the coast of Southern California). His glass bottom, boat, inherited from his father who had discovered the sea gardens, is put out of business by big business. But Curly believes in Mr. Borland, head of the company, and sets out to find him and plead his cause. An interlude in jail -- the seamy side of life in country, town and city; riding the rails, sleeping in tramp jungles, teaming up with a bum (who is also a bit of a philosopher), and adding to his list of friends-but always just missing Mr. Borland. Finally he finds him, in his last stronghold, Wall St., and gets his final lesson as Mr. Borland's car kills his friend, the Bindler. Curly faces life -- and turns West again. Satire -- savage humor -- social commentary. By the author of The Torguts.