I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book when I first learned of it; however, after hearing the author at a reading conducted at the Manhattanville College 28th Annual Writers' Week conference, I acquiesced. Glad I did! I certainly would not consider it a “post-modern” work of fiction as I’ve read a handful of reviews complain, in spite of the final chapter’s setting in the future. Based on the author’s comments at the reading, that was not all her intention either. Similarly, some readers may be turned off by the admittedly choppy nature of the style Egan employed for this unique piece. Each chapter is a stand-alone, but linked story written from that character's point of view, and creatively, in that character's voice. There is an underlying theme to the linked stories involving a washed-up punk star, his agent/manager, and the numerous tenuously-connected people that their lives inter-twine with, but each chapter is a well written short story in it's own right. I don't typically chase after literary award winners to read, but the fact that Egan won the Pulitzer for this work did influence my decision just a little. Definitely worth picking this piece up for an enjoyable weekend read.
Egan's complete 1st chapter reading at MVille is available on YouTube -> HERE
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