What do you think?
Rate this book
In a Large, Loud City (Where Something Almost Always Happens)
Welcome to the intricate world of 'In a Large, Loud City,' where the lives of its inhabitants are as complex as the city itself. At the centre of it all is Adam - a man of many faces and many lives - and Belle, a young mother whose son carries his name. This enthralling narrative weaves through time, from hospital rooms to mysterious trains and alternate realities, exploring the connections that bind us and the secrets that pull us apart.
As Angela grapples with trust and familiar warmth, Amanda navigates the complexities of marriage and identity. Simultaneously, characters like Benji Sabrina, Julie and Max find themselves entangled in quests for truth and meaning, whether it's through spiritual journeys or desperate races against time.
Spanning from the daily grind to existential dilemmas, this story delves deep into the human psyche and the countless choices that define us. Each chapter is a jigsaw piece in a grand puzzle, revealing a tapestry of human frailty, resilience, and the eternal quest for understanding.
Join us on the rollercoaster of emotion, revelation, and introspection, as 'In a Large, Loud City' takes you on a journey you won't easily forget.
As Angela grapples with trust and familiar warmth, Amanda navigates the complexities of marriage and identity. Simultaneously, characters like Benji Sabrina, Julie and Max find themselves entangled in quests for truth and meaning, whether it's through spiritual journeys or desperate races against time.
Spanning from the daily grind to existential dilemmas, this story delves deep into the human psyche and the countless choices that define us. Each chapter is a jigsaw piece in a grand puzzle, revealing a tapestry of human frailty, resilience, and the eternal quest for understanding.
Join us on the rollercoaster of emotion, revelation, and introspection, as 'In a Large, Loud City' takes you on a journey you won't easily forget.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 18, 2023
In a Large, Loud City is a multi-layered book that has elements of mystery, alternate realities, and time travel that will keep readers guessing what comes next.
There is a large cast of characters who have separate but interweaving stories within the village and nearby city. The book opens with Belle in the hopsital where she's given birth to a baby boy. It is soon revealed that the father is Adam, who is away on his honeymoon as he is now married to Amanda. But more than this tense dynamic, the book soon reveals vending machines appearing out of thin air--or have they always been in that particular spot?--and storms with winds strong enough to carry children away and a man luring children to serve as slaves in a gem mine with the use of a train. The beginning is a tad confusing, but it's gripping with the little oddities. Soon, connections start being made and the "ah ha" moments feel so rewarding.
With such a large cast of characters, having a little more length to the book, so that characters could have a bit more depth for relatabiliy, would have been nice. There also seems to be some discrepencies in audience focus. For example, the book, overall, is targeted to adult readers; but, there is a scene included involving "Grandpa's infamous pizza" that, until some light cursing, reads almost like something found in a middle grade book with the toliet humor. However, this might not faze some readers at all, especially those who enjoy such jokes.
Though the multiverse is not a primary plot point of the novel, fans of multiple dimensions and timelines as seen in Loki and Stranger Things will easily become invested in this narrative where contemporary meets speculative fiction. And if you like Loki and the movie Inception, a thrilling science fiction where things are not always what they first appear to be, then you most definitely should check out In a Large, Loud City.
Overall, this book is one that readers who enjoy contemporary-like stories with a speculative twist and seeing how pieces of a mysterious puzzle fit together will enjoy.
Please note, there are occasional uses of profanity, as well as the presence of infidelity and an unidentified religion (with mention of baptism) in this book, so it is most definitely not for everyone.
*I recieved a copy of this book through Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
There is a large cast of characters who have separate but interweaving stories within the village and nearby city. The book opens with Belle in the hopsital where she's given birth to a baby boy. It is soon revealed that the father is Adam, who is away on his honeymoon as he is now married to Amanda. But more than this tense dynamic, the book soon reveals vending machines appearing out of thin air--or have they always been in that particular spot?--and storms with winds strong enough to carry children away and a man luring children to serve as slaves in a gem mine with the use of a train. The beginning is a tad confusing, but it's gripping with the little oddities. Soon, connections start being made and the "ah ha" moments feel so rewarding.
With such a large cast of characters, having a little more length to the book, so that characters could have a bit more depth for relatabiliy, would have been nice. There also seems to be some discrepencies in audience focus. For example, the book, overall, is targeted to adult readers; but, there is a scene included involving "Grandpa's infamous pizza" that, until some light cursing, reads almost like something found in a middle grade book with the toliet humor. However, this might not faze some readers at all, especially those who enjoy such jokes.
Though the multiverse is not a primary plot point of the novel, fans of multiple dimensions and timelines as seen in Loki and Stranger Things will easily become invested in this narrative where contemporary meets speculative fiction. And if you like Loki and the movie Inception, a thrilling science fiction where things are not always what they first appear to be, then you most definitely should check out In a Large, Loud City.
Overall, this book is one that readers who enjoy contemporary-like stories with a speculative twist and seeing how pieces of a mysterious puzzle fit together will enjoy.
Please note, there are occasional uses of profanity, as well as the presence of infidelity and an unidentified religion (with mention of baptism) in this book, so it is most definitely not for everyone.
*I recieved a copy of this book through Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
November 24, 2023
In his latest novel, In A Large Loud City: Where Something Almost Always Happens, Ian A. Hollis masterfully captures the essence of urban life through a tapestry of intricate characters and their intertwined stories. The bustling metropolis becomes a backdrop for exploring the dualities of human nature, as the city's vibrancy brings out both the best and worst in its inhabitants, revealing the secrets and aspirations that drive them.
Central to this narrative are Adam and Belle, alongside a diverse cast including Amanda, Angela, Benji, Sabrina, Julie, and Max. Each character is meticulously crafted, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of relationships, identity, and the quest for meaning. Belle, a young mother, and Adam, a multifaceted individual, represent the heart of this story, examining the ties that bind and the secrets that divide.
Hollis's narrative prowess is particularly evident in his structuring of the novel. The table of contents serves as a guide and an innovative framework that enhances the reading experience, especially in digital formats like Kindle. This thoughtful organization complements the book's intricate narrative, allowing readers to navigate its depths easily. The novel's cover art deserves special mention, perfectly encapsulating the theme and setting the tone for the reader's journey. Its aesthetic appeal is matched by the novel's accessibility to a wide range of audiences, proving that complex themes can be presented engagingly and imaginatively.
Hollis's writing style is another highlight. His vivid descriptions and fluid narrative effortlessly transport readers into the heart of the city, capturing the minutiae of everyday life alongside profound existential dilemmas. The interactions between Adam and Belle are particularly noteworthy, imbued with realism and unexpected twists that captivate the reader. The novel's rich use of dialogue adds a contemporary and authentic feel to the narrative, although at times, this abundance can present a challenge in keeping track of the plot and character interactions, providing an engaging complexity to the reading experience.
In A Large Loud City: Where Something Almost Always Happens is a compelling and thought-provoking read. Hollis's modern and accessible writing style, combined with his profound understanding of the human psyche, makes this novel a standout, resonating with readers of all ages.
Central to this narrative are Adam and Belle, alongside a diverse cast including Amanda, Angela, Benji, Sabrina, Julie, and Max. Each character is meticulously crafted, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of relationships, identity, and the quest for meaning. Belle, a young mother, and Adam, a multifaceted individual, represent the heart of this story, examining the ties that bind and the secrets that divide.
Hollis's narrative prowess is particularly evident in his structuring of the novel. The table of contents serves as a guide and an innovative framework that enhances the reading experience, especially in digital formats like Kindle. This thoughtful organization complements the book's intricate narrative, allowing readers to navigate its depths easily. The novel's cover art deserves special mention, perfectly encapsulating the theme and setting the tone for the reader's journey. Its aesthetic appeal is matched by the novel's accessibility to a wide range of audiences, proving that complex themes can be presented engagingly and imaginatively.
Hollis's writing style is another highlight. His vivid descriptions and fluid narrative effortlessly transport readers into the heart of the city, capturing the minutiae of everyday life alongside profound existential dilemmas. The interactions between Adam and Belle are particularly noteworthy, imbued with realism and unexpected twists that captivate the reader. The novel's rich use of dialogue adds a contemporary and authentic feel to the narrative, although at times, this abundance can present a challenge in keeping track of the plot and character interactions, providing an engaging complexity to the reading experience.
In A Large Loud City: Where Something Almost Always Happens is a compelling and thought-provoking read. Hollis's modern and accessible writing style, combined with his profound understanding of the human psyche, makes this novel a standout, resonating with readers of all ages.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews