Chapter 10: "Out of Body"

[Patrick]

This is another strong chapter, in my opinion. How did people feel about the second person ("You") narration? It can be gimmicky, but I thought she pulled it off in this chapter, and that, if anything it made the events at the end of the chapter ((view spoiler)[Rob's drowning (hide spoiler)]) seem especially powerful.

[Blair]

This was one of my favourite chapters so far. I'm not a fan of second-person narration - there's a good reason it's not usually employed! - so I was a bit dubious about that, but I definitely think it worked, though I'm not convinced it was absolutely necessary. The very end was powerful, though. Altogether I found this chapter hugely poignant - how confused Rob is about everything, and how he never gets a chance to figure it all out.

[Larry]

The thing about books is that you get to have experiences that you probably never would have in real life. Like jumping into the cold East River early in the morning.

The fact that I have done or thought some small bits of Goon Squad makes it possible for me to leap (or maybe just wade) into the action occasionally.

[ShannLeigh]

I was very glad to have a chapter that I liked, especially after not liking a couple in a row...

I really liked the chapter after I had gotten used to the second person narrative. I was actually interested in seeing this narrative style used. I thought the characters in this section were really interesting and I was happy to see Sasha back as a central focus again. Drew and Rob were also both intriguing and I thought the ending of the chapter was very good.

[Adhityani]

I don't really understand the point of the second person narration, but I think it worked in that it made Rob's troubles and confusion just so much more poignant. I liked how this chapter ended, Rob's strong bond and feelings towards Sasha helped me understand Sasha much better.

[Brandon]

Perhaps I'm wrong, but my thought on the second person narration was that it had to do with how much Sasha saw herself in Rob. They both were dealing with confusing times in their life. (view spoiler)[They both survived suicide attempts. (hide spoiler)] They're both trying to figure out who they are after leaving something behind (ie the moments they confide in each other).

I think the author puts this in second person because she wants us to feel the same connection to Rob that Sasha does. Like others have said, it made Rob's experiences more poignant, which is important since the chapter ends in what has to be one of the most defining moments Sasha's life (view spoiler)[(not to mention Drew's, which plays even more of a part in Sasha's later on) (hide spoiler)].

[Kristin]

I love that one thing Egan continues to focus on is the fragility of the human condition. All of these characters are broken in some way or another. Some deal with it, others cant cope -- but either way, it show show fragile, self conscious and needy we all are in our different forms. I find it easy to relate to a lot of these characters due to their insecurities, and it is eye opening to see operational coping mechanisms and the others that don't cope. Can anyone name one character they really feel is unflawed, or not broken in some way? Do you think that is what Egan is really searching for here?

I was glad to see Sasha make a reappearance and get some more information on her. But one of my favorite parts of the chapter was when Rob revealed his one night with his friend James to her. The self loathing in his voice as he talked to himself about the incident was so pure and really echos the self doubt that people feel when they step outside of the social norms placed upon them. At that point, I had been thinking he did love Sasha, but then I started to think -- maybe he tried to kill himself because he couldn't cope with being attracted to men. The disgust he had for people calling him Bobby since his father said it was girly, all these things were very interesting to me. It all culminated when he said "you were scared to put your lust to the test, not wanting to ruin it with Sasha if things went wrong. It was the biggest mistake of your life, not fucking Sasha -- you saw this with brutal clarity when she fell in love with Drew, and it clobbered you with remorse so extreme that you thought you couldn't survive it. You might have held on to Sasha and become normal at the same time, but you didn't even try -- you gave up and the once chance god threw your way, and now it's too late."

The second person narration worked so well in this chapter, it really helped to see this all from Rob's view, the internal sexual struggle and the relationship with Sasha.

I really liked this chapter, definitely one of my favorites.

[Stephanie]

I think the second person narration threw me off, and this is the chapter that caused me to put the book aside in spite of having enjoyed it (for the most part) up to that point. I'll go back to it and see if I can connect with it.

[Candice]

I have two questions about this chapter. I've done a re-read of a few parts trying to figure this out but can't. There are spoilers in my questions though:(view spoiler)[Does Rob actually drown or just almost? Right up until the last couple sentences it seems like he will drown but then he hears Sasha's voice in his head say Fight! Fight! Fight! And so does he save himself? Or are we supposed to be left guessing here? If we find out in one of the next three Chapters just say that because I haven't read the last three yet. Also, is the scene with Rob and Drew doing E after Rob has tried to kill himself or before? I think it's after (because his scars are mentioned at the end) but before then it wasn't clear. Thanks to anyone who can answer! (hide spoiler)]

[Bucket]

Extremely well-done second-person narration. The the point that I didn't even notice it was second-person when I started the chapter and was suddenly jarred into realizing it when I came across a sentence that was less superb. I'm overall impressed!

[Jenna]

Candice wrote: "I have two questions about this chapter. I've done a re-read of a few parts trying to figure this out but can't. There are spoilers in my questions though:[spoilers removed]"

Rob does drown. We know that from the first chapter when Sasha is on the date with Alex and they go back to her apartment: "Alex leaned over to peer at the tiny collection on her windowsill. He paused at the picture of Rob, Sasha's friend who drowned in college, but made no comment." As I was reading this chapter I vaguely remembered that and had to go back and check!

[Stephanie]

Jenna wrote: "Candice wrote: "I have two questions about this chapter. I've done a re-read of a few parts trying to figure this out but can't. There are spoilers in my questions though:[spoilers removed]"

R..."

That's what makes it awkward to read this on Kindle, as I am. It's nearly impossible to go back and check those small details.

[Brandon]

Jenna wrote: "Candice wrote: "I have two questions about this chapter. I've done a re-read of a few parts trying to figure this out but can't. There are spoilers in my questions though:[spoilers removed]"

R..."

I had forgotten that one, but it is mentioned in a later chapter as well. The book leaves no doubt to it.

[Candice]

Jenna wrote: "Candice wrote: "I have two questions about this chapter. I've done a re-read of a few parts trying to figure this out but can't. There are spoilers in my questions though:[spoilers removed]"

R..."

Thanks Jenna! I'm usually pretty good at remembering those details but guess I missed that one. I'll be doing a re-read of this book anyways because of how awesome it is - can't wait to pick up that detail next time.

[Lindsay]

I didn't realize until they got into the river that, "Hey, didn't Sasha mention someone drawing way back in the first chapter" so I had to go back and check. But the second person point of view made it clear to me right off that bat that this person was dead and was talking to himself about his life. Interesting.

[Candice]

Lindsay wrote: "I didn't realize until they got into the river that, "Hey, didn't Sasha mention someone drawing way back in the first chapter" so I had to go back and check. But the second person point of view ma..."

Never thought about it that way. That is interesting!

[Adriana]

I didn't much care for the book, but I really enjoyed this chapter. I felt like I connected with Rob; he was the only character I can honestly say I liked. In fact, it was this chapter that changed my opinion of the book from "hate it" to "it's not that bad." All the characters in the book are flawed in some way. I would say Rob was the most flawed, to the point of being broken, probably beyond repair. As I read toward the end of the chapter, I suspected what would happen, and I desperately hoped I was wrong. Like I said, I liked Rob, and I really wanted to see him overcome his failings, his feelings of inadequacy, and come to terms with who Rob really is.

The second person narration was a little off-putting, but I agree that the end would not have had the same impact if it had been written in first or third person.

[Sam Still Reading]

I wasn't overly keen on this chapter. I liked learning some more about Sasha's background and then introducing Bennie, but I've hit a wall on this book. Going to try to plod along to finish it but it reads like a set of short stories (my least favourite fiction genre).

[Linda]

This chapter is brilliant. I also had missed the early mention of "someone drawing way back" early on. The second person narration, was so well crafted and as we move through this excellent work I am amazed by the complexity of the many layers and the delicate network that is exposed.

[Mimi]

Jenna wrote: "Candice wrote: "I have two questions about this chapter. I've done a re-read of a few parts trying to figure this out but can't. There are spoilers in my questions though:[spoilers removed]"

R..."

Jenna - now that I have finished the book, I am re-reading certain sections for this very reason. I know that there is foreshadowing (if you can call it that since we move back in forth in time so much). Thank you for pointing that one out in Chapter 1.

Stephanie - I read this on my Kindle too and I found myself using the bookmark features and the "Go To" and "Table of Contents" feature quite often...I think this is the most I have used these features since I first got my Kindle in March 2010! :)

As far as the style of this chapter goes, it took a bit of getting used to and at first I found the perspective annoying. However, once I got used to it, I found myself drawn into it and I really think that the tragic fate of Sasha's dear friend is important in understanding Sasha's future and is once again mentioned in Ch 12 - "Great Rock and Roll Pauses."

I am trying to recall where else I've seen this technique used...

[Mimi]

Candice wrote: "I have two questions about this chapter. I've done a re-read of a few parts trying to figure this out but can't. There are spoilers in my questions though:[spoilers removed]"

Candice - I had some of the same questions at the end of the chapter...things get cleared up in Chapter 12 though

[Allison]

Lindsay wrote: "I didn't realize until they got into the river that, "Hey, didn't Sasha mention someone drawing way back in the first chapter" so I had to go back and check. But the second person point of view ma..."

That's such a good observation about why the second person was used in this chapter. Very interesting!

[Kerilotion]

I was thinking... ok, who's Rob again? then I remembered the earlier chapter. I should have been taking notes.

[Katie]

I think this chapter is starting to crystallize for me what it is I think I like about this book. I think for me, the strength of this book are the moments where a character shines the cold light of day on their innermost thoughts. In this chapter, it's the speech Rob gives his friends about how "I'm sorry your parents are bigots... I'm sorry I'm a jerk..." etc. Thinking back, I wonder now if every chapter has one of these moments where the featured character pulls the curtain back on him/herself and that that is what this book is really "about"--moments of sudden, naked self-revelation.

[Samantha]

I really liked the second person narration because it helped me to empathize that much more with Rob. After Drew watched Rob die, I wonder how that changed his life, too... On to the next story!

[jaxnsmom]

I think Rob did love Sasha, but was torn between that feeling and knowing deep down that he was gay. It's like he was straight mentally and gay physically. When he was being pulled by the river current I felt he was in so much despair over betraying Sasha that he didn't care anymore, he felt he deserved what happened. This chapter was the strongest emotionally.

[Paige]

I did not like this chapter- not sure why- all the characters came across as drug freeks.
I liked Sasha much less than in the first chapter. It was good to connect the "boy who drown in collage" to this story.

[Chieko]

Stephanie wrote: That's what makes it awkward to read this on Kindle, as I am. It's nearly impossible to go back and check those small details.

I find it easier to check stuff on the Kindle. Just use the "Search This Book" function in the Menu. Once you have browsed, use the Back button till you get back to where you were reading.

[Eric]

I found the sudden shift from second to first-person jarring but, at the same time, powerful ... though at first, I couldn't say why I found it powerful. Second person is such a risky choice, I spent some time thinking about why Egan would make it, and why shift POV at the very end. My best guesses so far: 1) The second person signals for us the distance Rob feels from himself ... he's detached, unable to fully accept or understand himself. Then, at the last minute, as he "confesses" to Sasha his love--admitting to himself what he wants right now, regardless of the consistency of that desire with the past--he's able to identify with himself, and thus makes the shift to first-person. 2) Since the chapter is titled "Out of Body," this is a "life flashing before my eyes" bit, as Rob relives moments (from an out-of-body perspective) that center on Sasha--the woman he loves, though he cannot find a way to express or reconcile that love--until, at last, the present catches up with him as he's about to drown, thus forcing him back into a first-person POV.

[Lisa]

This second-person narrative confused me at first and it took me awhile to figure out who "you" was. After a few pages, I didn't notice much. It helped me feel more connected to Rob and then through him feel his connection to Sasha - to be inside his head.

Until Eric's comment above, I didn't even notice the switch from second to first-person at the end! That all makes sense, thanks Eric!

[Janet]

Guilty admission(s) here. I've gotten into the habit of skimming the first few paragraphs of each chapter until I figure out who the central character is. Then I go back to the beginning of the chapter and actually READ. Even "worse," once I came to this forum and skimmed the first couple comments to get my bearings, hoping I didn't come across a spoiler!

[Rodney]

Carin wrote: "I wasn't overly keen on this chapter. I liked learning some more about Sasha's background and then introducing Bennie, but I've hit a wall on this book. Going to try to plod along to finish it but ..."

I hit a wall much sooner than this. I'm finishing it just so I can give it the bad review it deserves.

[Stephanie]

powerful! i didn't really like this chapter as i could see where it was going to end, and still had/wanted to read on, as i didn't want to take for granted what i thought was going to be happening...i didn't mind that rob died, when i didn't know him, but getting to see a glimpse of him and understanding the drew and rob and sasha dynamic more made me quite sad.

[Rachel]

I am so glad I just read through everyone's posts... I am listening to the audiobook so I don't have anyway to "flip" through the book unless I re-listen to a chapter. So I was SO lost on who Rob was. It makes me like Sasha more... was she really what Rob said she was? I didn't see that one coming!

[Jaddick]

I enjoyed the second person narration. I think that it showed how critical he was of himself. It was as though while he was going through his life, he had a ball of insecurity sitting on his shoulder, telling him how poorly his life was going instead of his approaching it from the helm with confidence.

[Eric]

An author needs a REALLY good reason to use second-person. In this case, Egan does it so well that, when the real reason pops up in the last sentence, it is almost easy to miss while being one of the most brilliant moments in the book.

(view spoiler)[“You kneel beside her, breathing the familiar smell of Sasha’s sleep, whispering into her ear some mix of I’m sorry and I believe in you and I’ll always be near you, protecting you, and I will never leave you, I’ll be curled around your heart for the rest of your life, until the water pressing my shoulders and chest crushes me awake and I hear Sasha screaming into my face: Fight! Fight! Fight!”

The BOLD is mine, for emphasis. In the course of this final sentence, the narration switches smoothly from second-person to first-person, using the italicized dialogue as a stepping stone. All those "I" constructions eases the "seam" between the second- and first-person. The switch itself seems to illustrate that Rob isn't able to connect with himself until just before his own death (which explains his earlier suicide attempt). Until that last moment, Rob spends his life as an observer, a painfully keen observer. The second-person also lets Egan work with a character that seems to not know things about himself (or, at the very least, is not able to admit them) without having to play any psychological games in the first-person. (hide spoiler)]

[Dena]

Jenna wrote: "Candice wrote: "I have two questions about this chapter. I've done a re-read of a few parts trying to figure this out but can't. There are spoilers in my questions though:[spoilers removed]"

Rob..."

It also talks about it later in the Sasha/Drew chapter where they are married and have kids.