Kavalier and Clay-background, first impressions (Jan 2018)

[Casceil]

This thread is for general information about the book, and also for comments on first impressions of the book.

Here are links to some reviews:

http://www.nytimes.com/books/00/09/24...

https://www.theguardian.com/books/200...

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-ent...

[Hugh]

Thanks Casceil. I would have liked to participate in this one, but given the length of the book and the number of other books on my to-read shelf, I am going to struggle to fit it in any time soon...

[Robert]

I read K & C back in 2001 and I found it amazing. Quite difficult to fault this novel; excellent characters, plot appeals to me and the way the story develops just goes to show why Chabon is a revered author.

[Casceil]

I've read several other books by this author, and liked most of them. But I think Kavalier and Clay is his best. I was concerned about the length of the book, but I finished it yesterday, and I really liked it.

[Peter]

The thing about Chabon is his books are all so different from each other. But I'm about halfway through K & C, and I'm enjoying it mostly. I don't know about it being his best, or really, what "best" means. But at the moment it isn't displacing Summerland as my favorite.

[David]

New to the group ... look forward to reading this one with you!

[Casceil]

Welcome, David. I will be interested in your insights about the book.

[LindaJ^]

I read this years ago and loved it. It is definitely my favorite Chabon book. I doubt I will reread for the discussion, but will follow the discussions.

[Marc]

This is my first time reading Chabon. Based on interviews with him and friends' reviews, I went into this with pretty high expectations. Initial impressions were of really being drawn into his characters, which I found quirky, well-rounded, and intriguing). Felt like I was suspending judgment (or waiting to be "hooked") for quite some time in terms of the story (it may be possible I'm suffering from a bit of WWII overload from reading quite a few books related to the topic/time period).

[Casceil]

Marc, I know what you mean about WWII overload. I felt a bit of that myself. I thought the first chapter was sort of magical--the two boys getting to know each other that first night, making and sharing a cigarette on the fire escape. But then we got a long stretch of Europe chapters, and I felt like I was waiting to get back to America.

[Marc]

Agreed, Casceil--the dynamic between the two cousins (and the two brothers) is handled really well. "Magical" is a great word to use, too, as that same atmosphere/feeling seems to be woven through the book (I've got about 100 pages left to read).

[Maggie]

Robert wrote: "I read K & C back in 2001 and I found it amazing. Quite difficult to fault this novel; excellent characters, plot appeals to me and the way the story develops just goes to show why Chabon is a reve..."
I had the great pleasure of listening to the audiobook a few years ago. Chabon is one of my favorite authors and I will be following the thread.

[Whitney]

I also read it when it came out and enjoyed it a lot. Unfortunately I didn't manage to reread it for this discussion, but I'll be lurking about.

[David]

After the first four chapters, I can definitely concur with the many favorable comments about Chabon's writing; he is definitely talented. I was instantly drawn into this story, love his well crafted sentences, and already feel like I've known these guys all my life.

[Lesley]

David wrote: "After the first four chapters, I can definitely concur with the many favorable comments about Chabon's writing; he is definitely talented. I was instantly drawn into this story, love his well craft..."

Loved this book!

[Gregory]

so I read this when it first came out and then got busy. so twenty years later I pick it up again. I am hoping this year to finish it.

[Peter]

Well, I finished it. Still processing. There's a lot there to process.

[Ashley]

I am finally able to start tonight. One of my closest friends is thrilled that I’m finally reading this as it’s her favourite book. I’m excited to dive in! Aside from it having to do with comic books and WWII, I am completely in the dark on what to expect.

[Casceil]

Ashley, I'm glad you are joining us. I hope you enjoy the book.

[Marc]

A little fun background (gained from a copy of Marvel Comics: 75 Years of Cover Art, which my wife gifted me a year or so ago): Captain America #1 was created by writer Joe Simon and artist Jack Kirby "reflecting their own hatred of Hitler before the U.S. entered WWII." The cover to the first issue in 1941, depicted Hitler being punched...


And while noodling around, I discovered a whole blog dedicated to Hitler Getting Punched.

[Peter]

There's even a boy sidekick on the cover...

[Marc]

Peter wrote: "There's even a boy sidekick on the cover..."

Indeed! (Good eye, Peter.)