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Triceratops
A story of musicians, writers, painters, and alcoholics
Set in New York City, Henry & Charlotte — two twentysomethings who never thought they’d see each other again — reunite for three short weeks filled with art, music, and liquor that cause them rethink their relationships, their pasts, and their futures. Told from both Henry and Charlotte’s perspectives, Triceratops speaks to a generation of readers raised on nostalgia, sitcoms, antidepressants, and iPods.
Set in New York City, Henry & Charlotte — two twentysomethings who never thought they’d see each other again — reunite for three short weeks filled with art, music, and liquor that cause them rethink their relationships, their pasts, and their futures. Told from both Henry and Charlotte’s perspectives, Triceratops speaks to a generation of readers raised on nostalgia, sitcoms, antidepressants, and iPods.
310 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2012
About the author
Marcus Gorman
3 books5 followersMarcus Gorman is a Seattle-based novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. Raised in Berkeley and Kensington, CA in the San Francisco East Bay, he has worked in film, television, theatre, arts journalism, and digital media.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 11, 2013
I went in to this book somewhat dutifully. I was wrong.
If you are older than, say, thirty, the odds are slim i imagine that you think a book about seemingly lost twenty somethings could be anything other than painful. This one certainly is. It brings a genuinely fascinating, and compelling, story; deep observation of human nature and differences; a panapoly of cultural references that unite to make a real world (vs an awful list of namechecks); and truly thoughtful, well-crafted writing throughout. The last is all the more remarkable for it being self published, I.e., without benefit of an editor.
Buy this book.
If you are older than, say, thirty, the odds are slim i imagine that you think a book about seemingly lost twenty somethings could be anything other than painful. This one certainly is. It brings a genuinely fascinating, and compelling, story; deep observation of human nature and differences; a panapoly of cultural references that unite to make a real world (vs an awful list of namechecks); and truly thoughtful, well-crafted writing throughout. The last is all the more remarkable for it being self published, I.e., without benefit of an editor.
Buy this book.
May 7, 2013
Marcus Gorman’s Triceratops tells the story of two remarkable twentysomethings from the West Coast set adrift in the madness of New York City: Charlotte, roaming the streets armed only with a liquor addiction, a mouth like a sailor, and her artist ex-lover’s disturbing final work; and Henry, a guy whose primary life concerns involve Beat generation poets and a dedicated knowledge of jazz music. After spending a hazardous night together back in Seattle Henry and Charlotte never expected to see one another again – and definitely not on the other side of the country, in the middle of the night, in the middle of an empty New York street. But as their lives work their perverse magic the two are thrown together for three weeks filled with the sort of insanity that only New York City is capable of. Swallowed up in a scene filled with art, music, sexuality, liquor, drugs, and madness, the two find friends, lovers, and enemies amid New York’s wildest array of characters: its musicians and artists.
Combining dark comedy with astonishing real-life insight, Triceratops works itself into a spectacle of the bizarre, and the result is rather brilliant. Gorman’s ability to handle scenes that alter between being utterly brazen and entirely relatable is a remarkable talent, and he executes it wonderfully. Woven within the fascinating mayhem of their setting, his characters offer transformative reflections on life and human nature that not only build their own perceptions, but reach out and cause the reader to reflect on them as well. It makes for a mesmerizing experience, while other elements of the book entertain on a lighter level. The combination was enough to leave me speechless after the novel’s final pages, and exhausted in that way that great books often leave us.
I loved that the story was told from the alternating perspectives of Charlotte and Henry, the transition between which was, for the most part, indicated only by the narrative’s change of tone. While I found the book comfortable to navigate, giving the narration decidedly more attention also allowed me to best appreciate the artistry of Gorman’s prose. This style of writing will keep the reader on their toes, much as the story itself does. It contributed, I thought, to the artfully woven sense of disarray that the story often provoked; a metaphor, perhaps, for the haphazard situations the characters find themselves in, but underneath the surface it always manages, fantastically, to make sense. While perhaps the subject matter may not be for every audience, beneath the bold exterior of many scenes is a profound intelligence that will be deeply felt by its audience. Gorman’s selection of characters through which these insights are carried connect the reader especially with the uniqueness of humanity and the natural differences we all possess. Never without substance, Triceratops is at once powerful and amusing, offering readers an experience unlike any other.
(Review © Casee Marie, originally published on May 7, 2013 at LiteraryInklings.com. I received a copy of the book for the purpose of review.)
Combining dark comedy with astonishing real-life insight, Triceratops works itself into a spectacle of the bizarre, and the result is rather brilliant. Gorman’s ability to handle scenes that alter between being utterly brazen and entirely relatable is a remarkable talent, and he executes it wonderfully. Woven within the fascinating mayhem of their setting, his characters offer transformative reflections on life and human nature that not only build their own perceptions, but reach out and cause the reader to reflect on them as well. It makes for a mesmerizing experience, while other elements of the book entertain on a lighter level. The combination was enough to leave me speechless after the novel’s final pages, and exhausted in that way that great books often leave us.
I loved that the story was told from the alternating perspectives of Charlotte and Henry, the transition between which was, for the most part, indicated only by the narrative’s change of tone. While I found the book comfortable to navigate, giving the narration decidedly more attention also allowed me to best appreciate the artistry of Gorman’s prose. This style of writing will keep the reader on their toes, much as the story itself does. It contributed, I thought, to the artfully woven sense of disarray that the story often provoked; a metaphor, perhaps, for the haphazard situations the characters find themselves in, but underneath the surface it always manages, fantastically, to make sense. While perhaps the subject matter may not be for every audience, beneath the bold exterior of many scenes is a profound intelligence that will be deeply felt by its audience. Gorman’s selection of characters through which these insights are carried connect the reader especially with the uniqueness of humanity and the natural differences we all possess. Never without substance, Triceratops is at once powerful and amusing, offering readers an experience unlike any other.
(Review © Casee Marie, originally published on May 7, 2013 at LiteraryInklings.com. I received a copy of the book for the purpose of review.)
January 16, 2013
My thoughts: Why was this book called “Triceratops”? There were no dinosaurs in it. I almost wished there were. But right off the bat, the girl describes sexual discrepancies between the other guys and this Xavier, her roommate artist/boyfriend. Admittedly, I was a tad grossed out by it. Still, it was the savage dialogue—raw and untamed against the bleakness of domestication—that provoked me to read on.
Gorman writes with such laid-back magnetism dripping with a dark and comedic punch that is often reminiscent of Salinger’s poignant tale, The Catcher in the Rye. Gripping and funny!
Mainly told from the views of both Henry and Charlotte, this book takes you through the gritty alleys deep in the heart of New York City. Their pitfalls were often summarized with mindless jabber, which, at times, left me dazed. Sometimes I thought they were just idiots. Who keeps a canvas with splattered brains?
What I liked most about the two main characters was their utter knack for the cold truth. For instance, in the moment when Charlotte spots Henry for the very first time, she states it plainly and simply: “This isn’t a heavenly sign that we should walk down the aisle, exchange vows, hold hands, and wander into the sunset. Because this is real life. This is real life fucking with me. It’s laughing in my face.” (pg. 50)
The author’s expertise in music, film, and television was evident with the many references interspersed throughout, and I enjoyed how they mingled within the story.
My only aversion was that every chapter was written in the first person POV of a character, usually someone other than Charlotte or Henry. It was sometimes hard to tell which character was speaking. And why were we even getting the points of view from other people? I thought this story was supposed to be centered on Henry and Charlotte. Instead I learned of an eccentric clan of characters, which I guess are common around New York. I would include that I couldn’t truly empathize with any of them.
At first, you really think this story is about a bunch of idiots getting high or drunk, but then you find a deeper meaning beneath that wretched layer of barren mediocrity. For these young people, life is about getting through the bad and learning to appreciate the small good, whether it be a night at a museum or a tour through (the real) TV land. Gorman particularly said it best: “There are worse ways to live…It’s better than having a life revolving around a terrible job, a life revolving around a bad family life, a life revolving around deep, upsetting loss.” (pg. 141)
Gorman writes with such laid-back magnetism dripping with a dark and comedic punch that is often reminiscent of Salinger’s poignant tale, The Catcher in the Rye. Gripping and funny!
Mainly told from the views of both Henry and Charlotte, this book takes you through the gritty alleys deep in the heart of New York City. Their pitfalls were often summarized with mindless jabber, which, at times, left me dazed. Sometimes I thought they were just idiots. Who keeps a canvas with splattered brains?
What I liked most about the two main characters was their utter knack for the cold truth. For instance, in the moment when Charlotte spots Henry for the very first time, she states it plainly and simply: “This isn’t a heavenly sign that we should walk down the aisle, exchange vows, hold hands, and wander into the sunset. Because this is real life. This is real life fucking with me. It’s laughing in my face.” (pg. 50)
The author’s expertise in music, film, and television was evident with the many references interspersed throughout, and I enjoyed how they mingled within the story.
My only aversion was that every chapter was written in the first person POV of a character, usually someone other than Charlotte or Henry. It was sometimes hard to tell which character was speaking. And why were we even getting the points of view from other people? I thought this story was supposed to be centered on Henry and Charlotte. Instead I learned of an eccentric clan of characters, which I guess are common around New York. I would include that I couldn’t truly empathize with any of them.
At first, you really think this story is about a bunch of idiots getting high or drunk, but then you find a deeper meaning beneath that wretched layer of barren mediocrity. For these young people, life is about getting through the bad and learning to appreciate the small good, whether it be a night at a museum or a tour through (the real) TV land. Gorman particularly said it best: “There are worse ways to live…It’s better than having a life revolving around a terrible job, a life revolving around a bad family life, a life revolving around deep, upsetting loss.” (pg. 141)
August 17, 2013
A very interesting read that goes back and forth between two POVs: Charlotte, a girl who finds herself constantly displaced, especially when she finds herself in trouble; and Henry, whose cultural search for the New York music and movie scene is being constantly derailed by his unexpected reunion with Charlotte. They have a history, and it affects how they go about the next two weeks, even when they try to ditch one another.
Charlotte, I believe, will be the character that most people will have a hard time connecting to, especially in the beginning. However, I found myself coming around, not to completely relating to her, but at least to more fully understand her hard edges. Henry I had an easier time, but mainly because I am one of those who enjoy the different media from yesteryear.
Fun, axillary characters fill out the cast and are just as intriguing as some of the main characters. Some were bordering on cliches, such as the manic pixie dream girl for Henry, but like Charlotte, we start discover more of the complexities of some of these characters.
The story itself was unique and not the way I thought it was going to be, which pleasantly surprised me. It does seem like one of those "that's a lot to have happen in two weeks" stories, but it definitely at a fast and fun pace.
The book has a distinct voice that is one of the standouts of the book. It is hard and uncompromising at times, but in others parts, as another reviewer mentioned, it is as if you're reading an independent film. It is a language that does not hide, except the past which the two main characters tries to withhold.
The only thing now that I'm left wondering is the actual meaning of "triceratops" itself. At one point, it seemed it might mean something crazy, maybe even an insane coincidence. Another point, it seems it's more of something from the past that was grand and unique that you find interesting and admire. I personally lean towards my latter interpretation, and as such this book has been one kind of triceratops.
Charlotte, I believe, will be the character that most people will have a hard time connecting to, especially in the beginning. However, I found myself coming around, not to completely relating to her, but at least to more fully understand her hard edges. Henry I had an easier time, but mainly because I am one of those who enjoy the different media from yesteryear.
Fun, axillary characters fill out the cast and are just as intriguing as some of the main characters. Some were bordering on cliches, such as the manic pixie dream girl for Henry, but like Charlotte, we start discover more of the complexities of some of these characters.
The story itself was unique and not the way I thought it was going to be, which pleasantly surprised me. It does seem like one of those "that's a lot to have happen in two weeks" stories, but it definitely at a fast and fun pace.
The book has a distinct voice that is one of the standouts of the book. It is hard and uncompromising at times, but in others parts, as another reviewer mentioned, it is as if you're reading an independent film. It is a language that does not hide, except the past which the two main characters tries to withhold.
The only thing now that I'm left wondering is the actual meaning of "triceratops" itself. At one point, it seemed it might mean something crazy, maybe even an insane coincidence. Another point, it seems it's more of something from the past that was grand and unique that you find interesting and admire. I personally lean towards my latter interpretation, and as such this book has been one kind of triceratops.
May 8, 2013
***I received a free copy in exchange for a book review***
I loved this 8 part, no chapter book. I loved the author’s writing style, and I thought he was very talented with characterization and voice. Since he was very descriptive, I could picture this as an IFC or Sundance movie. But on the other hand, Henry and Charlotte (plus the other characters) were quirky, cool, witty that I could also picture the story as a Judd Apatow movie.
It was pretty intense when Xavier killed himself in front of Charlotte. She has to find a place to stay, and runs into Henry. They had hooked up once on the west coast. Henry had a crush on Sophia, and Noah had a crush on Charlotte. As a reader, I really enjoyed all the scenes where Henry and Charlotte hung out. I liked that she was very sarcastic, keeping him on his toes while he was the sensitive guy type. As a reader, I was really invested in their friendship, even hoping they may get back together again.
My favorite lines: 1) “There’s no honor in being a cockblock.” 2) “We need the what-the-f*ck factor. Its power knows no bounds.” 3) “Confusion is a powerful weapon.” 4) With Xavier, we can be silent for days and not have it be some kind of relationship red flag. Because it’s not a relationship. We hang out, we f*ck a lot, I stay over but don’t live here, and neither one of us says anything about our goddamn feelings.
It was cool that Charlotte had complete knowledge of sitcoms. I enjoyed the references of taking it old school. As you can probably tell, she was my favorite. The story was told through Henry and Charlotte’s first person point-of-view. My favorite scenes: 1) when Noah confesses his feelings to Charlotte 2) when Henry and Charlotte first meet in New York 3) the stealing-the-painting heist 4) finding out Shelby and her boyfriend’s secret 5) the ending 6) all the scenes with the older female neighbor who loved Xavier but could care less about Charlotte.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
I loved this 8 part, no chapter book. I loved the author’s writing style, and I thought he was very talented with characterization and voice. Since he was very descriptive, I could picture this as an IFC or Sundance movie. But on the other hand, Henry and Charlotte (plus the other characters) were quirky, cool, witty that I could also picture the story as a Judd Apatow movie.
It was pretty intense when Xavier killed himself in front of Charlotte. She has to find a place to stay, and runs into Henry. They had hooked up once on the west coast. Henry had a crush on Sophia, and Noah had a crush on Charlotte. As a reader, I really enjoyed all the scenes where Henry and Charlotte hung out. I liked that she was very sarcastic, keeping him on his toes while he was the sensitive guy type. As a reader, I was really invested in their friendship, even hoping they may get back together again.
My favorite lines: 1) “There’s no honor in being a cockblock.” 2) “We need the what-the-f*ck factor. Its power knows no bounds.” 3) “Confusion is a powerful weapon.” 4) With Xavier, we can be silent for days and not have it be some kind of relationship red flag. Because it’s not a relationship. We hang out, we f*ck a lot, I stay over but don’t live here, and neither one of us says anything about our goddamn feelings.
It was cool that Charlotte had complete knowledge of sitcoms. I enjoyed the references of taking it old school. As you can probably tell, she was my favorite. The story was told through Henry and Charlotte’s first person point-of-view. My favorite scenes: 1) when Noah confesses his feelings to Charlotte 2) when Henry and Charlotte first meet in New York 3) the stealing-the-painting heist 4) finding out Shelby and her boyfriend’s secret 5) the ending 6) all the scenes with the older female neighbor who loved Xavier but could care less about Charlotte.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
February 22, 2013
Book review: Triceratops by Marcus Gorman
This one concerns rampaging, wild musicians in New York but on different planet to the rest of us. Death isn’t really what I look for in my favourite novels so I was disappointed to read of Xavier’s suicide so early in the novel. The characters are pretty crazy but I did like some of them.
I usually find characters that think about sex within a novel to be in bad taste but the female character’s feelings in particular read real to me. This is a little surprising given the male writer but who cares? It is the carefree attitude to sex that gave me that essential escape that is required from any novel. It is unusual to read about thoughts like this without it coming across as crude and distasteful but well done for managing this.
Overall the story was a bit lengthy but the (slightly too many) characters came together well. There are numerous colourful characters to get to know and boring is not amongst their traits.
This one concerns rampaging, wild musicians in New York but on different planet to the rest of us. Death isn’t really what I look for in my favourite novels so I was disappointed to read of Xavier’s suicide so early in the novel. The characters are pretty crazy but I did like some of them.
I usually find characters that think about sex within a novel to be in bad taste but the female character’s feelings in particular read real to me. This is a little surprising given the male writer but who cares? It is the carefree attitude to sex that gave me that essential escape that is required from any novel. It is unusual to read about thoughts like this without it coming across as crude and distasteful but well done for managing this.
Overall the story was a bit lengthy but the (slightly too many) characters came together well. There are numerous colourful characters to get to know and boring is not amongst their traits.
August 1, 2013
My friend wrote this book and I didn't know what to expect. What I got was a wild journey between two people and their need to discover themselves. A fun read and a good story.
February 27, 2014
adolescent anomie. grab a coffee and prepare for a sweet mess.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews