Thomas Eugene Robbins:
(born July 22, 1932)[1]
American novelist. His most notable works are “seriocomedies” (also known as “comedy drama”). Tom Robbins has lived in La Conner, Washington since 1970, where he has written nine books. His 1976 novel Even Cowgirls Get the Blues was adapted into the 1993 film version by Gus Van Sant. His latest work, published in 2014, is Tibetan Peach Pie, which is a self-declared “un-memoir”.
Louisiana in September was like an obscene phone call from nature. The air —moist, sultry, secretive, and far from fresh—felt as if it were being exhaled into one’s face. Sometimes it even sounded like heavy breathing.
This sentence uses strong, sensory language to describe the overwhelming and intimate nature of Louisiana’s late summer heat.
This evocative and memorable quote perfectly captures the intense, almost suffocating humidity of a Louisiana September.
“Obscene phone call from nature”:
This is the core metaphor. It suggests something intrusive, unwanted, and intensely personal, yet originating from the natural world. It implies a sense of being cornered or overwhelmed by the environment.
“Moist, sultry, secretive, and far from fresh”:
These adjectives paint a vivid picture of the air. It’s thick with humidity, heavy, and lacks any refreshing quality. “Secretive” adds an element of mystery or perhaps even a slightly sinister feel to the atmosphere.
“Exhaled into one’s face”:
This further emphasizes the intimate and inescapable nature of the heat. It’s not just ‘around’ you; it’s actively pressing against you, like someone breathing too close.
“Sounded like heavy breathing”:
This final detail adds an auditory element to the sensory overload. The rustling of leaves, the hum of insects, or even just the sound of one’s own breath might feel amplified and distorted in the heavy air, contributing to the unsettling feeling.
Origin and Author:
The quote is indeed from Tom Robbins.
It appears in his 1980 novel, “Still Life with Woodpecker”.
Why Tom Robbins?
Tom Robbins is known for his unique and often surreal writing style, filled with vivid imagery, quirky characters, and philosophical musings. This quote is a prime example of his ability to craft memorable and evocative descriptions that linger in the mind.
In Conclusion:
This sentence isn’t just a description of the weather; it’s an experience. It uses powerful metaphors and sensory details to convey the intense and almost visceral feeling of being immersed in the unique atmosphere of Louisiana in September. It’s a testament to Tom Robbins’ skill as a writer and his ability to capture the essence of a place and a feeling with remarkable precision and creativity.
