Andre J. de Saint Phalle‘s memoir, “Surfing The Interstates,” is a deeply personal and poetic journey of a 21 year old man hitchhiking across America in 1973. It chronicles his search for freedom, identity, and connection against the backdrop of the cultural and political turbulence of the time. The narrative weaves together vivid experiences on the road, encounters with a diverse cast of characters, and reflections on music, especially the Grateful Dead, which serves as a spiritual and cultural touchstone.
The memoir opens with the author’s departure from a troubled family home in New York, setting off westward with little more than a guitar, backpack, and a desire to escape an oppressive past and the looming shadow of the Vietnam War. Along the way, he meets fellow travelers, veterans, musicians, and seekers who teach him about vulnerability, authenticity, and the power of communal experience. The road becomes a metaphor for the inner journey, with moments of joy, music, heartache, and profound insight.
A major thematic thread is the contrast between performance and authenticity, especially in music and personal expression. The author recounts learning to play guitar not for approval but to connect with the music and others. This motif extends to his relationships, where he often feels like an outsider longing for real connection beyond transient encounters.
The memoir also confronts darker themes: trauma, mental health, and the scars of war. The narrative includes the tragic story of Steve, a friend whose struggles with paranoia and disillusionment culminate in violence and death, representing the war’s lingering impact on individuals. This story serves as a powerful counterpoint to the memoir’s moments of hope and transcendence.
Nature and place play vital roles—the Rocky Mountains, the redwoods, the desert, and the ocean emerge as sanctuaries and teachers. The memoir is infused with a sense of sacredness in the natural world, viewed as a living entity that offers healing and wisdom, contrasting with the harshness of human society and the violence witnessed.
Throughout, the memoir is richly lyrical and philosophical, blending memoir with meditation on music, time, memory, and the search for meaning. The author’s encounters with mystical and surreal experiences—such as an unexpected conversation with Jerry Garcia, witnessing Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, and moments of pyschedelic communion—add a dreamlike, metaphysical layer.
In summary, “Surfing The Interstates” is a compelling, introspective, and beautifully written memoir that captures the spirit of a transformative era and a young man’s quest for freedom and belonging. It combines vivid storytelling with deep emotional resonance and poetic insight into the complexities of youth, friendship, trauma, and the human need for connection and meaning.
Review:
• Strengths: The memoir’s vivid descriptive power, emotional honesty, and integration of cultural and personal history create a rich tapestry that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The use of music as a thematic thread provides cohesion and depth. The portrayal of nature as a spiritual refuge is especially evocative.
• Challenges: The narrative’s occasional abstraction and philosophical asides may challenge readers seeking straightforward storytelling. The stark depiction of trauma and loss can be intense but is handled with care and nuance.
Overall, it is a profound, moving work that offers both a window into 1970s counterculture and timeless reflections on identity and survival.
You can also read the book here.
Each chapter has individual author readings embedded so you can read along as you listen.
