Kavalier and Clay- first two parts (Jan 2018)

[Casceil]

This thread is for discussion of Part I, The Escape Artist, and Part II, A Couple of Boy Geniuses.

[Peter]

My impression is that we tend to get what Sam is thinking a lot more than we get what Joe is thinking. We mostly get views of Joe from Sam or the narrator. I assume (if I'm right about this) that this deliberate on the part of the author -- but why would he do this? Is he trying the build a bit of an air of mystery around the "magician"? Or is Sam just supposed to be our primary point of view?

[Patrick]

For me, Part I and II is the "origin story." Like a comic or superhero movie, we see Kavalier and Clay coming together while learning their super powers and motivations. I was worried about Sam being too much of a cliche - plucky, undersized kid from Brooklyn.

[Casceil]

I think you are right about parts I and II being the "origin story." I enjoyed watching the developing dynamic between Joe and Sam. They seem to egg each other on, encouraging each other to be braver in negotiating. They draw strength from each other, and each tries harder, I think, so as not to let the other down.

[Patrick]

Casceil wrote: "I think you are right about parts I and II being the "origin story." I enjoyed watching the developing dynamic between Joe and Sam. They seem to egg each other on, encouraging each other to be brav..."

Yes! I like seeing their personalty traits come out in negotiations.

[Joy D]

I am really enjoying the interplay between these two characters. Also, I find myself rooting them on. So far, I'm really enjoying this book.

[Casceil]

I'm glad you are enjoying it, Joy. It is fun to watch Joe and Sam play off each other. They seem to develop a layer of mutual trust very quickly.

[David]

This is a rollicking good book so far, and brings back many memories of my large Marvel Comics collection from my boyhood. I'm well along in Part III, so won't of course put any spoilers here, but I do so enjoy the fun plot surprises and fascinating characters. And, the emotional back story of Joe's family is woven through very powerfully.