The Premise:
A novel in nine parts, Fame explores what it means to be
famous, encounter fame or have a passing interest in it.
The Good:
Much like Sherwood Anderson’s, Winesburg, Ohio, Fame is a collection of short stories that can
stand alone or hang together. Kehlmann brings in reoccurring characters in
unexpected ways and develops rich personalities with, for the most part, real
emotion that result in real consequence. Even the chapters that don’t work that
well are still inventive and unpredictable. Also interesting is the fact that
he writes from an Austrian perspective—you would think “Fame” would be more
of a wholly ownable American conceit. I could tell you more, but that would ruin the fun. Plus, at a breezy 175 pages, it’s a quick read
regardless*.
The Bad:
Kehlmann is a versatile writer who can and does shift voices
and genres. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but a few of the chapters were
forced and seemed to go on a bit too long for my tastes.
The Verdict:
Read it. It’s too soon to tell if this will be a book that
sticks with me or not, but I appreciate the premise and the depth to which he
explores it.
*Honestly, it’s why I was willing to give it a chance. That and back cover used the word "prodigy".
