The Premise:
A coming of age novel in a gentrified neighborhood of
Brooklyn in the 1970s through early 1990s.
The Good:
Lethem can write. He’s one of those writers that makes
ridiculously detailed, yet evocative scenes seem effortless. Not that you would
notice. He grabs the reader and submerges them in his story. Each scene, each
character, each place seems fully formed. Each action has consequence, for
better or worse.
The Bad:
I didn’t like the main character, Dylan Ebdus. I know I’m
not supposed to say that, especially since it’s “his” story, but upon
reflection, I found him to be a flawed character—not in an endearing way. In a
sense that made him more human, but I just didn’t think he made the best
decisions. Or at least no enough to redeem himself. Also, like the book “The
Adventures of Kavalier & Clay”, there’s a moment halfway through that comes
out of nowhere and almost ruined it for me. I’m just not sure that all that was necessary.
The Verdict:
Read it. From a sheer technical writing aspect, Lethem’s
writing is amazing. I haven’t read his other books, so you might want to start
somewhere else. But if you do read this book, just know that there’s some adult
subject matter in parts. For better or worse.
