While I enjoyed the film based on the book, I found the book more interesting and informative. The stories of the folks who lost their homes through a variety of setbacks and the devastating 2008 financial collapse was an eye-opening and disturbing experience. Across the spectrum of education and previous income, the loss of jobs and homes wreaked havoc on thousands of people, but the effect of those who have "aged out of the job market" was particularly brutal.
Perhaps the most unsettling aspect is that large corporations-- that make billions and pay little or no taxes--use these elderly workers (from 60-80 years old) as low-paid, temporary labor for 12 hour labor-intensive shifts. Although most of the nomads interviewed kept an upbeat attitude in public, the consequences of the callous treatment by companies that use this disposable labor is disturbing, and regardless of trying to keep a positive spin on the situation, the nomads are not unaware of the precariousness of their lives. They have lost homes, savings, pensions, healthcare, and security.
It is disconcerting to learn of this subculture of people who have fallen from middle-class to "houseless" travelers.
Perhaps it is time for Jessica Bruder, to revisit this phenomenon in the wake of the pandemic.
Recommended.
Nonfiction. Purchased.
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After another week of rain, this morning is clear!
I also want pockets deep enough to put my hands in and to hold things, not those shallow pockets most often found on women's clothing. Maybe we should all follow Kamryn's example and write companies about what we want in the clothing department!
I read Nomadland a few months ago and had much the same reaction that you describe. I was also disturbed by the way the book ended without (at least that's the way I remember it now) addressing any solutions for these unfortunate people when they reached the age where they could no longer care for themselves or travel around the country in their mobile homes. I can only imagine that they will end up being stacked somewhere in some horrible facility that Medicaid forces them into, and that is a terrible tragedy.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the film, but I was kind of put off it by the trailer I've watched a couple of times. I know they used non-actors in a lot of the movie, and somehow that lessens the impact for me because it gives the movie more the feel of something thrown together as a PBS documentary than a movie. That's probably just me; I imagine others will see the use of real people in the movie as the best thing about it.
The film isn't really even a documentary. The main plot focuses on Frances McDormand's fictional character. The best part for me was that it encouraged me to read the book. No, the film had no solutions, nor does the book, nor does the government, as far as I can tell. It is, however a tragedy as you mention that people who work their entire lives end up with nothing because of the "great recession" and other setbacks. When you are left with nothing, it is hard to recover--especially as one ages and regardless of experience and a good work ethic, companies are less likely to hire an older person--except for unskilled, low wage labor.
DeleteI agree that the book was better (much better) than the movie, but I still enjoyed Frances McDormand's performance. I know of a couple of full-time RVers who have worked at Amazon, national parks (as camp hosts), and at the sugar beet farms in Colorado, but they are younger and have chosen to live as nomads, working as they travel. Nomadland is a much different story and I found it pretty depressing.
ReplyDeleteYes to real pockets! :)
Yes, many younger people have chosen to live as nomads and are often able to "work from home" even while traveling. I think that would be interesting for a while, but for those who must do it out of necessity, it is not what we want to think about how our country works. Losing a home and a pension and health care would be terrifying.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read the book and watch the film. I think it's awful to think how many people are one paycheck away from losing their home. Here in Austin we have a large community of people who are homeless and have been living in tents around the downtown area. Now they are banned from camping but to me that doesn't solve the issue of where are they supposed to go. It's like we treat these people as just disposable.
ReplyDeleteThe film was visually beautiful, but the book was fascinating--with all of the facts and individual stories. The nomads call themselves "houseless," separating themselves from those who are what we consider the homeless. Many of those sleeping on the streets may be veterans or those with mental illness; they don't even own a car, much less a van. I like reading about the way the tiny house movement often gives them a chance to recover, stay clean and safe, and perhaps get back in the job market. You are right, we do treat people as disposable.
DeleteI love pockets, too! And Nomadland sounds both compelling and depressing, but maybe an important book for everyone to read just so more people are aware of this situation/problem.
ReplyDeleteYay for pockets, big enough to be more than a design element! Yes, the book is both compelling and depressing, but important. Our economy doesn't always have safety nets. Some billion dollar companies are too greedy to take care of and compensate fairly all of its workers.
DeleteNomadland sounds like a depressing read, yet an important and a thought-provoking one. Seeing some elderly work despite their old age, long hours and low pay always make my heart ache for them. Over here, most elderly who still work are often cleaners and some of them are even paid hourly without much benefits. They're suppose to enjoy life at this age. ;(
ReplyDeleteSomehow, the book is as much depressing as informative. The 2008 recession put so many out of work and pensions were lost. There was no back up plan to care for them. Those who work their entire lives, and through a fault in the economy, end up this way gives some the opportunity for cheap labor with no benefits. It's a shame.
Deleteleft out "not"--"not as much depressing as informative." What was depressing was the treatment of workers.
DeleteNomadland is definitely on my list. I’ve heard so many positive reviews of it. Unfortunately, I don’t see the situation improving any time soon. Corporate cupidity is built in to American capitalism.
ReplyDeleteAs you say, corporate cupidity is a problem, but making it known is a step in the right direction. The book is actually a fascinating read.
DeleteI have to agree with Kamryn. I want deep pockets too. And Nomadland sounds like a must read. I really appreciate books like this that shine a light on topics that usually get ignored.
ReplyDelete:) Yay for deep pockets! Yes, Nomadland is a must read, and yes, this is a topic that is usually ignored.
DeleteI actually had no idea what Nomandland was about--the movie or book--until reading your review. The stories of the people recorded could be any of us, really. It's scary to think about. I really feel for those in that position.
ReplyDeleteI want more deep pockets in women's clothing too!
It was a fascinating book. Yes, it is frightening how a turn of events could leave any of us in such drastic circumstances.
Delete:) I have one of those aprons that cross over the back and has deep pockets that I often wear around the house, using the deep pockets for my phone, kindle, and a myriad of other things.
I didn't realise Nomadland was based on a book -- yes, somehow I missed that! And until now, I didn't quite understand the full extent of what it was about -- corporations just don't care, do they?
ReplyDeleteFern was an imaginary character, based on probably a bunch of people. The book covers interviews with people from all walks of life and circumstances who were left bereft by circumstances beyond their control. The corporations took immediate advantage of this new and elderly workforce.
DeleteI have not read Nomadland but my husband and I saw the film and loved it. Frances McDormand's performance was just amazing, as it always is, but the other people in the film were excellent also. I probably won't read the book now, but I salute you for doing so. It is an important story.
ReplyDeleteThe book was much more informative about the situation. And interesting!
DeleteThanks for the review of the book. I would like an update of the people and this phenomenon in light of COVID. And, of course, we are now getting a fulfillment center of our very own.
ReplyDeleteThe movie was good and thought provoking, and I can see how the book provides much more information.
ReplyDelete