Newport Blues:
A Salesman’s Lament
by George Byron Wright

   As Sidney Lister is pressed into service as a fill-in salesman when his company’s long-time rep dies unexpectedly, he has no idea what adventures await as he begins a first sales trip down the Oregon coast. When explaining about the death of Jonsey to his company’s clients, he is met with a wide range of reactions – everything from shock to genuine sorrow – and he is amazing to learn of his long-term predecessor’s deep connections in the communities he visits. But soon his worries are much more than how to explain the unfortunate circumstances of Jonsey’s demise and obtain sales orders. Soon much of Sidney’s time and attention is spent avoiding a deranged person from his past who is terrified that Sidney may reveal his involvement in a potential scandal. Soon Sidney’s sales trip now involves car chases and life-and-death confrontations while he also tries to sort out fresh puzzles in his personal life.
   A chance encounter with a very attractive woman he knew back in his high school days and the emotions it stirs cause Sidney to re-assess his continuing relationship with his supportive ex-wife back in Portland. His confrontation with the belligerent owner of a chain of stores about a secret from the past results in unexpected resolution of a matter that had been kept in the dark for many years, a matter that had been used as financial leverage by his employers. Several other customers reveal touching stories of small and large kindnesses by Jonsey, the previous sales rep, while others -in their shock at the news of Jonsey’s death - reveal deep hurts the surprising news dredges up afresh.
   Those who know the life of traveling salesperson will relate the day-to-day challenges in Sidney’s professional life and the diverse personalities that he encounters on this initial sales trip - the endless parade of inexpensive motels and roadside café meals and the constant challenge of meeting sales expectations. And readers will enjoy the personal stories Sidney hears at every stop and the many references to familiar communities, attractions and business establishments along the Oregon Coast. George Wright’s voice is very clearly the narrator of the tale which makes the book even more enjoyable for those of us who know him and enjoy his sense of humor in person.
   Native Oregonian George Byron Wright is the author of the Oregon Trio, a unique body of work comprised of three novels set in the small towns of his youth. Baker City 1948 was published first, followed by Tillamook 1952, and Roseburg 1959. His fourth novel, Driving to Vernonia, was released in 2009. He lives with his wife and first reader, Betsy, in Portland, Oregon but visits his Mt Hood cabin often.