A Fan’s Notes is an autobiographical novel written by Frederick Exley. Published in 1968, the book was an immediate success, winning the National Book Award for Fiction the following year. The book follows the life of Frederick Exley, an out-of-work, alcoholic ex-sailor in the New York area. It is told from two alternating perspectives—Exley’s first-person narrative and external narration in which he is a character in someone else’s story.
A Fan’s Notes is Exley’s messy, unflinching account of his life. His self-reflection, interspersed throughout the book, takes readers on a journey through Exley’s struggles with his failing marriage, battles with alcoholism, and his failure to achieve the success he so desperately desired. He blames the external world, from the media to popular culture, for his perceived shortfalls. In his moments of clarity, though, Exley is able to reflect on his own role in his failures, delving into the self-loathing and introspective pieces that have become some of the most memorable passages in the book.
At its core, A Fan’s Notes is a quest for self-redemption. Exley’s life choices have led to his current dilemma, and his journey to find a way out of it is what the novel primarily focuses on. He often daydreams of becoming a famous football player, or writer, or celebrity in an effort to make his life worth living. Throughout the memoir, he weighs his options and fights against his inner and outer demons in order to realize his dreams.
A Fan’s Notes is an extraordinary account of a troubled, and often tragic, life. The prose is raw and honest, providing a powerful journey of discovery and self-realization. Exley’s honest, unflinching prose brings the story to life in a way rarely seen in literature. Its complexity and diversity—from Exley’s internal thoughts to external events and situations—makes it a captivating story, one that should be read by anyone looking to gain an understanding of one of life’s biggest struggles.
Exley's work has been praised by many as one of the best, most honest autobiographies written in American literature. Legendary American novelist William Faulkner referred to A Fan’s Notes as “...a perfect novel, with the force and reality of legend.” Through Exley’s words, it is easy to see why. With eloquent, sincere prose, Exley’s story resonates with readers. It is an evergreen example of the power of writing - and the struggles one man undertook to lead a meaningful and insightful life.
