Motherless Brooklyn

Questions About Motherless Brooklyn

by Jonathan Lethem

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Answered Questions (6)

Does this book satisfy as a mystery?
Mark Vickers It satisfied me because of the beauty of the writing and eccentricity of the narrator, but it is far from a conventional mystery. If one only reads fo…moreIt satisfied me because of the beauty of the writing and eccentricity of the narrator, but it is far from a conventional mystery. If one only reads for the mystery plot line, then it's satisfactory but not great. If one reads as a work of art, it's terrific.(less)
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Ray Palen I believe the Giant definitely exists.
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What year does the story take place? I'm trying to get my bearings on the setting. Lionel mentions first working for Minna at the age of 13 in 1979 (was that it?).
Caleb Sylvest I will answer my own question here for anyone else trying to figure it out.

The time period is the 90s, somewhere between 1993 and 1999. I couldn't nai…moreI will answer my own question here for anyone else trying to figure it out.

The time period is the 90s, somewhere between 1993 and 1999. I couldn't nail it down but here are a few markers:

• The name change of Prince is mentioned, which took place in 1993.
• Characters carry around beepers as a primary means of contact.
• There are cellular phones, but they are the big bulky bag type some people had in their cars. And expensive to use.
• The book was published in 1999.(less)
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Is the language decent?
Caleb Sylvest No. There is a lot of language and crude references. The author definitely leans into the tourette syndrome use of explosive tics and outbursts.
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Is the language appropriate for teenagers?
ddjiii Everyone has their own standard for appropriateness, of course, but if you're asking if there is profanity, this is a detective/mafia story set in wor…moreEveryone has their own standard for appropriateness, of course, but if you're asking if there is profanity, this is a detective/mafia story set in working class Brooklyn, so yes there is a fuck of a lot.(less)
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Unanswered Questions (1)

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