The worlds between non-fiction and fiction collide as Barnes takes us into the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who befriends the most unlikely of peopl...moreThe worlds between non-fiction and fiction collide as Barnes takes us into the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who befriends the most unlikely of people, George Edalji. As we learn about Doyle's rise to fame, we learn of George's family's continual torment over the decades by some mysterious person. As you guess, Doyle hears of George and decides to help him out. But the world of Sherlock Holmes is not the real world and Doyle must confront this fact. The story begins with both Arthur and George as young boys and moves us through their lives. Barnes' book can lag into very long expositions, but what he is doing structurally is interesting and intriguing. He demands much from the reader, but the demand is worth it. (less)
On the one hand I am grateful for de Rosnay's telling about the Vél'd'Hiv'roundups. I knew nothing about this chapter in French history and was surpri...moreOn the one hand I am grateful for de Rosnay's telling about the Vél'd'Hiv'roundups. I knew nothing about this chapter in French history and was surprised and saddened. On the other hand, the simplistic prose and bizarre story line switch half way through this book just seemed ridiculous. If an author is going to write about a topic this powerful, the author's ability as a writer should be equal to the task. There have been many great novels about the tragedies of war. You remember the author and the novel. In this case, you will only remember the event. (less)
Really loved reading this book. In fact when I finished, I re-read it. Why? Well, it's always tricky with non-linear story telling. Just because you b...moreReally loved reading this book. In fact when I finished, I re-read it. Why? Well, it's always tricky with non-linear story telling. Just because you break the narrative up doesn't make the book edgy. In fact, it can often hide a very boring story line, but in this case Egan's fragmented narrative does a really good job of reflecting how life truly is. Some stories get finished, some leave us wondering, some have gaps. But when life is done, there is an overall structue and Egan makes this happen with the characters in her book. And the PowerPoint chapter is just straight out genius.(less)
There are moments when reading this book that I really liked the plot line and the ideas being explored. But these characters seemed a little two dime...moreThere are moments when reading this book that I really liked the plot line and the ideas being explored. But these characters seemed a little two dimensional and somewhat predictable. And I would need someone to help me with this one, but is the dialect correct? Compared to Morrison, Walker, and Ellison something seemed off. And yes, I could see this movie coming a mile away. I would really like to read the insights of African American women and their response to this novel. (less)
Mr Russo, You won me over with Empire Falls. No one does a better job than you in capturing the plight of the small town and the people who live there...moreMr Russo, You won me over with Empire Falls. No one does a better job than you in capturing the plight of the small town and the people who live there. But what the hell happened? Did you read the last 150 pages of your own book? Good lord, Lucy said he would use deus ex machina to tell a story. You should have listened to him. And add to that one of the most cliché uses of people one could ever imagine. Yes, this book did end with a bridge of sighs.(less)
Well, sure..semi-clever book about Shakespeare's life compared to a character named Willie Shakespeare attending U.C. Santa Cruz. The book jumps back...moreWell, sure..semi-clever book about Shakespeare's life compared to a character named Willie Shakespeare attending U.C. Santa Cruz. The book jumps back and forth between the two. The Willie story gets boring although the author nails the U.C. Santa Cruz lifestyle. The William story, though, is actually interesting as we learn about his life and the persecution of Christians in the land of Protestants.(less)
A committee has been formed to select a design for the Ground Zero Memorial. They make their decision based strictly on the artistic merits of the ent...moreA committee has been formed to select a design for the Ground Zero Memorial. They make their decision based strictly on the artistic merits of the entries. The names of the contestants are not known. When the committee decides the winner, it is revealed that the contestant’s name is Mohammad Khan, a Muslim. Before the committee has a chance to consider the decision, Mohammad’s name is leaked to the press. What ensues is an all too painfully real reaction from the country. This amazing first novel explores a heartbreaking look into the world of religion, media, and the world we live in today.(less)
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