Robert Hellenga's Philosophy Made Simple, which might appear as an introduction to
philosophy, turns out to be a delightful novel about Rudy Harrington's adjustment after
the death of his wife and the departure of his three grown daughters. Older readers will
identify with the empty-nest syndrome that starts and moves the plot forward.
Harrington reads a student handbook on philosophy (thus the title) and tries to make
decisions based upon the thinking of several philosophers: Kant, Plato, Aristotle and others.
Harrington's move from Chicago to Texas, where he buys and operates an avocado farm,
rings true for a sixty-year-old man in his situation.
Then the plot turns somewhat surreal when he comes into possession of an elephant that
paints pictures. The elephant also becomes the focal point in his daughter's wedding. The
relationship with the elephant seems to bring out the best in Harrington.
An excellent subplot is Harrington's love for the daughter's mother-in-law and his struggle
over and acceptance of an affair that his wife had just prior to her death.
Following the plot with snatches of philosophical tenets is an added pleasure to an already
delightful novel. The reader leaves the novel with a great deal of empathy and respect
for Harrington.