Synopses & Reviews
In the spring of 1926, the Soderbjerg brothers, Ray and Roy, plunge into radio and launch station WLT (With Lettuce and Tomato) to rescuer their failing restaurant and become the Sandwich Kings of South Minneapolis. For the next quarter century, the “Friendly Neighbor” station produces a dazzling array of shows and stars, including Leo LaValley, Dad Benson, Wingo Beals, Slim Graves and Little Buddy, chain-smoking child star Marjery Moore, and blind baseball announcer Buck Steller.
Francis With, a shy young man from North Dakota, entranced by radio, gets into WLT through his uncle Art and quickly becomes the Soderbjerg's right hand. Soon Francis is a budding announcer adored by Lily Dale, the crippled nightingale of WLT kept hidden from her fans, whose firing contributes to the downfall of the station. And then comes television.
Review
"Episodic, often absurd, frequently uproarious, it is a poignant reminder of a time that never was but probably should have been." Publishers Weekly
Review
"The comedy is as broad as it comes, but it also has a depth that includes poignancy, particularly as it records the station's downhill slide. Humor and insight into the heart of raunchy America don't get any better than this." Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
From the creator of A Prairie Home Companion and bestselling author of Lake Wobegon Days comes the trade paper edition of the hilariously bawdy novel that is "irresistibly delicious... a satisfying romp with a yarnmaster who can make you howl" (Los Angeles Times Book Review). In the spring of 1926, the Soderbjerg brothers plunge into broadcasting to rescue their failing restaurant and go on to make radio history over the next quarter century.
About the Author
Garrison Keillor, author of nearly a dozen books, is founder and host of the acclaimed radio show A Prairie Home Companion and the daily program The Writer's Almanac. He is also a regular contributor to Time magazine.