Some Other Place. The Right Place.
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Founder | Donald Harington |
| Products | Novel |
Some Other Place. The Right Place. is a 1973 novel authored by Donald Harington. This work delves into themes of personal growth and the intricate nature of life’s experiences. It served as the basis for the 1985 film adaptation titled Return.
Plot overview
Diana Stoving becomes involved in investigating Day Whittacker, an 18-year-old whose English instructor asserts, through hypnotism and age regression techniques, that Day carries the spirit of Diana's late grandfather, Daniel Lyam Montross. Together, they unravel aspects of Daniel’s past amid unforeseen romantic entanglements and various incidents.
Extended plot
Overture
After encountering information about age regression at a car dealership, Diana meets hypnotist Mr. Sedgely and learns about Day Whittacker. Under the guise of a Life Magazine researcher, she visits Day’s residence. Shortly thereafter, Day goes missing; they reunite at Sedgely's home where Diana observes Day entering a hypnotic trance. Their journey takes them to Connecticut and subsequently Cornwall, where they search for Dudleytown amid heavy rain. Forced to camp outdoors due to being stranded, Diana hypnotizes Day to allow "Daniel" to lead her to his former home.
They lodge at the McDonough Motor Lodge, learn about Dudleytown’s folklore, and decide to remain together. Camping near a waterfall, Diana senses an unseen presence but finds Day preparing their meal.
First Movement: Landscape with Two Figures
The story alternates between Daniel’s early years and the current travels of Diana and Day. Daniel’s difficult upbringing under authoritarian parents includes early sexual encounters and participation in local social clubs. Diana documents Daniel’s narrative while managing her growing affection for Day, who expresses his interest through poetry and music.
Daniel endures family strife as residents abandon Dudleytown; his sister Charity becomes pregnant following their incestuous relationship and departs. After Daniel’s father passes away, Daniel buries him alone before relocating to Vermont. Meanwhile, Diana and Day face disruptive visitors at their campsite that escalate into violent episodes. They then follow Daniel’s route toward Vermont.
Second Movement “The Unfinished”
In Vermont, Day misleads Diana regarding his understanding of Dudleytown. Daniel takes on roles as a mail carrier and later a schoolteacher, developing complicated relationships with Rachel and others. He confronts blackmail and personal difficulties while Diana reflects on identity amid their strained dynamic.
During a search mission, Diana is shot; after recuperation, they return to Five Corners to address unresolved matters. Daniel’s later years involve carpentry work, a brief engagement, and violent confrontations prompting his exit from Five Corners. Rising tensions between Diana and Day culminate in an attempted suicide.
Third Movement: There and Here
Diana and Day explore Lost Cove, an abandoned town where Daniel once worked as a carpenter but remained socially isolated. They endure feelings of solitude until Flossie’s ghost appears, offering survival advice despite causing some disruption.
During Christmas, Daniel leaves wooden toys hoping for acceptance; Ammey returns silently as Dan’s lover before dying in childbirth. Dan abducts their daughter Annie following a gunfight with Walt Ailing.
Diana and Day reenact Dan's experiences through music and dance while confronting past wounds. Their storytelling is interrupted by a fire as they face adversity together.
Fourth Movement: A Dream of a Small but Unlost Town
Narrated by “G,” who investigates Diana’s disappearance while coping with health challenges. He retraces Diana's path through Dudleytown, Five Corners, and Lost Cove, revealing connections to Daniel Montross.
“G” encounters Diana at Daniel’s home; she recounts her story and grants him access to diaries and recordings unveiling complex relationships involving Daniel, Annie, Burton Stoving, and herself—disclosing that Daniel is Diana’s father.
“G” suffers a heart attack during his inquiry but recovers with Diana's assistance. Alongside Day, they recreate Daniel's final moments when toddler Diana held him until his death.
Finale
“G” writes to Diana's father confirming her survival but leaves communication choices to her discretion. Diana responds expressing joy over “G”’s improved health and proposes naming their narrative Some Other Place, The Right Place.
Principal characters
- Diana Stoving – A 21-year-old dance graduate from Sarah Lawrence hailing from Arkansas, granddaughter of Daniel Lyam Montross. She is affluent, daughter of Burton Aruther and Annette M. Stoving, quits smoking after months spent with Day, and becomes pregnant with his child.
- Charles “Day” Whittacker – An 18-year-old Eagle Scout and church choir participant, slender in build, averse to smoking, aspiring to pursue a career in forestry. He enjoys the outdoors and hiking, and has an abusive father.
- Daniel Lyam Montross – Communicates through a hypnotized Day, remains in Dudleytown caring for his mother, involved with Violate Parmenter and others; revealed as Diana's biological father.
- Melissa McLowery – Under 40, auburn-haired wife of Joel McLowery, overweight, enthusiastic about dancing. She forces Daniel into a sexual relationship after uncovering his affair with Rachel.
- Rachel McLowery – A 16-year-old red-haired student of Daniel’s who brings him meals and gifts; ran away two years prior; initiates an affair with Daniel and later experiences mental decline.
- Henry Fox – Born in 1849 in Zurich, trained in gold mining in South America; arrived at Five Corners as an assayer; knowledgeable with an extensive vocabulary; one of Melissa’s lovers.
- Investigator – Known as “G,” employed by Mr. Stoving; a seasoned teacher wearing a hearing aid; heavy smoker and drinker; battles suicidal tendencies; develops affection for Diana during the investigation.
Supporting characters
Overture
- Susan Trombley – A 22-year-old friend of Diana’s and Sarah Lawrence printmaking graduate from Pennsylvania; employed as a typist at a Philadelphia law firm.
- Patricia Klumpe – Journalist.
- Price Delmer “Del” Sedgely – Middle-aged English instructor and hypnotist who regards himself as a scientist; doubtful about reincarnation.
- Mrs. Whittacker – Day’s flighty mother in her late thirties.
- Miss Mary Elizabeth Evans – Elderly woman whom Day consults regarding Dudleytown.
- Manager at Llewellyn's Sporting Goods – Encourages Diana to purchase excessive supplies.
First Movement
- Hopestill Montross – Daniel's indifferent mother at the time of his birth.
- Clen Montross – Daniel’s religious father and charcoal burner by trade.
- Ethan Montross – Daniel’s eldest sibling.
- Nathan and Nicholas Montross – Daniel’s brothers.
- Emmeline Montross – Relocated from Dudleytown to the Midwest.
- Charity Montross – Youngest sister with mental challenges; became pregnant by Daniel and was subsequently sent away.
- Hattie Rose Pearl Bardwell – Daniel's classmate who claims to be his girlfriend; her father owns the general store.
- Oatsowers Club members: Zadock, Seth, Jonathon, Renz.
- Violate Parmenter – Daniel’s cousin involved romantically with him; associated with Ferrenzo Allyn’s girl.
- Ferrenzo Allyn – Responsible for killing Daniel’s father.
- Rebekah – Red-haired member of a traveling group.
- Zaphania (formerly Mu), Esaias (The Flake), Barnabas, Bathsheba, Zeresh, Vashti – Members of a traveling religious zealot faction.
- Felix Spofford – A 39-year-old truck driver and volunteer firefighter from West Cornwall.
Second Movement
- Judge Braddock — Oversees appointments of schoolmasters.
- Mrs. Peary – An 88-year-old native of Five Corners possessing historical photographs.
- Jirah and Livia Allen – Owners of a 200-acre farm; parents of son Marshall.
- Jake Claghorn – A bachelor living in a shack who stocks wood for the schoolhouse.
- Joel McLowery – Holds the largest sheep herd in the county.
- Adelphia and Aaron Tindall – Related to Judge Braddock; Aaron struggles with alcoholism.
- Matthew and Sophronica Earle – Town residents; Matthew is a former schoolmaster with two children.
- Marshall Allen – Son of Jirah Allen with limited mental faculties; abuses his sister and animals; begins troubling relationship with Rachel.
- Dr. Fox – Day’s physician sharing similarities with him; deceives Day’s father and provides transportation back to Five Corners for Day and Diana.
Third Movement
- Flossie – A ghost residing in Lost Cove who narrates Daniel's story.
Fourth Movement
- Mr. Stoving – A dominant and firm man with a preference for alcohol consumption.
- Anne Stoving – Mr. Stoving’s delicate daughter by Daniel; characterized by blond hair and hazel eyes; submissive nature and avid reader.
Elements
- Poetry – portions of the novel incorporate verse that helps propel the storyline
- Ghost Villages – serve as metaphors for deserted mental landscapes and the quest for a sense of belonging
- Age Regression/Reincarnation – explore themes of inherited wisdom and the transmission of legacy across generations
- Incest – confronts traditional ethical boundaries through Daniel’s atypical viewpoint
- IT – symbolizes identity and hidden desires; love emerges from completely embracing one’s IT
Reception
“Lush, evocative, inventive, and strikingly original… the senses are overwhelmed by vivid and intense imagery.” Irish Times
“There is much to commend here – from structure and character development to tonal and thematic depth, all balanced with a generous dose of self-aware humor.” New York Times
“An exceptionally original work, captivating both in its sexual and intellectual dimensions, crafted with notable skill.” Publishers Weekly