This was a well-written and highly enjoyable travelogue through the post-Civil War South.

We follow our protagonist, the instantly relatable Abe Brown, and a man named Luke Sprague, the very definition of "frenemy," and the artist whose rapid skills give the book its title.

The varied (and mostly horrible) adventures these fellers go through are almost Odysseian in scope and craziness. Entertainingly dark and disturbing characters abound, while Abe just tries to get back home, and Luke just plain ticks every single person off.

One of my favorite parts of this story was Abe's voice. He cuts to the heart of the matter, and dispenses old-timey wisdom with such unintentional and humble beauty.

Highly recommended for fans of Southern gothics, road movies, and American historical fiction.