Jack Kerouac writes many books that are autobiographical with thinly veiled references to famous cohorts such as Alan Ginsberg, Neal Cassady and William Burroughs. Desolation Angels follows the same pattern, detailing the rise of the poets of the Beat Generation.
Kerouac is Jack Duluoz, a fire lookout on Desolation Peak in northwest Washington state. The job was a choice that Duluoz made in order to give himself the opportunity to be silent, write, and uncover the truths of the universe. Much is written about discoveries made on the mountain and the realization that one cannot marry a life of solitude while having worthwhile experiences in the real world.
After the fire season is over, Duluoz returns to San Francisco, heart of the Beat movement and current residence of his fellow poets. The group reunites for sprees of conversation.....
