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geekwayne's review
4.0
'With a Zero at its Heart' is a very deliberately written book. It could come across as gimicky if it weren't so deftly executed.
The book is comprised of 24 themed chapters with titles like Travel or a harp embedded, and Death or a sprig of leaves. Each chapter has 10 numbered paragraphs. Each paragraph has exactly 120 words (I didn't count, so I'm taking the publishers word). Each paragraph themes in with the subject and presents a chronological memory throughout Charles Lambert's life. Each paragraph is concisely and beautifully written, and the whole thing has the feel of memory since we (or at least I) tend to remember events in fragments.
It's linear within each chapter, but not for the whole book, so every chapter resets to an early remembrance. It feels a bit more like poetry than prose, but that works for the fragmentary nature of the book. I really enjoyed this one for it's unique composition.
I received a review copy of this ebook from HarperCollins UK, The Friday Project and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this unique book.
The book is comprised of 24 themed chapters with titles like Travel or a harp embedded, and Death or a sprig of leaves. Each chapter has 10 numbered paragraphs. Each paragraph has exactly 120 words (I didn't count, so I'm taking the publishers word). Each paragraph themes in with the subject and presents a chronological memory throughout Charles Lambert's life. Each paragraph is concisely and beautifully written, and the whole thing has the feel of memory since we (or at least I) tend to remember events in fragments.
It's linear within each chapter, but not for the whole book, so every chapter resets to an early remembrance. It feels a bit more like poetry than prose, but that works for the fragmentary nature of the book. I really enjoyed this one for it's unique composition.
I received a review copy of this ebook from HarperCollins UK, The Friday Project and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this unique book.
snoakes7001's review
5.0
By imposing artificial constraints on himself, Charles Lambert has produced a beautiful piece of work. Bearing as much in common with poetry as with a conventional novel, each chapter is themed and comprises a series of vignettes from the life of a man from boyhood to the death of his parents. It builds up gradually to become a complete portrait of a life lived. I can only assume that it is at least semi-autobiographical as in places it is so intimate. The writing is sparse and delicate and the whole thing could easily be devoured in one sitting, but I found it more effective (and affecting) to read a couple of chapters at a time. Lovely stuff.
sanrodsara's review
3.0
The structure of this book is what originally appealed me. As the chapters progressed, I started liking it less and then learnt to appreciate it for what it is: thoughts from a life different from my own. A brief look into the events that make up a life, and the memories that last in our psyche.
ayanez427's review
3.0
This review is based on a digital ARC received from Netgalley.
With a Zero at its Heart employed a unique narrative style to tell the story of a man's life. Through short, themed chapters--each composed of 10 numbered paragraphs with 120 words--the reader gets a glimpse into the life of the unnamed character. The use of this method shows the reader that it is often an accumulation of the little things, the seemingly insignificant traits and events, that not only turn a person into who they become, but define them to the surrounding world. At the same time, it is a reminder that we should not form opinions of a person based on the handful of events that we witness, as they are just a small part of who that person is.
While I appreciated the method employed by the author, and the message behind it, it did make it difficult to connect to the character because we only see bits and pieces of a life told out of order.
With a Zero at its Heart employed a unique narrative style to tell the story of a man's life. Through short, themed chapters--each composed of 10 numbered paragraphs with 120 words--the reader gets a glimpse into the life of the unnamed character. The use of this method shows the reader that it is often an accumulation of the little things, the seemingly insignificant traits and events, that not only turn a person into who they become, but define them to the surrounding world. At the same time, it is a reminder that we should not form opinions of a person based on the handful of events that we witness, as they are just a small part of who that person is.
While I appreciated the method employed by the author, and the message behind it, it did make it difficult to connect to the character because we only see bits and pieces of a life told out of order.
daviddavidkatzman's review
5.0
Amazing. Absolutely amazing. An experimental work with a big heart. With a Zero at Its Heart is a fictionalized memoir of the author, Charles Lambert's life. Written in 24 themed chapters each with ten numbered paragraphs and each paragraph with precisely 120 words. And, even better, each of those paragraphs flows like prose poetry with beautiful language and striking yet simple imagery. I was reminded of William Carlos Williams who said that poems should be concrete and not abstract. They should use words to represent solid things not esoteric sentiments. Lambert does express profound emotions through these concise paragraphs, but he does so by bringing us into concrete scenes and moments in time.
Lambert captures moments from his childhood, adolescences, twenties and up to near his present. This is not precisely a memoir, not specifically identified as such, so I can only surmise that Lambert took real moments in time as inspiration, and these stories may range in their intimacy with the "Truth" of his memories. They may be fictionalized to suit a thematic or stylistic purpose. Regardless, they are written such that they feel honest and profound. Fiction is the lie that tells the truth.
Lambert takes us through his personal evolution from a somewhat tormented child through the discovery of his sexual freedom to his relationship with his life partner and then becoming caretaker of his parents on their deathbeds. It's a moving and sensitive story that unfolds a man who is discovering himself, his intellectual passion, his sexuality, his love, and his compassion. But it leaves much for us to interpret for ourselves as readers as well. It called me to reflect on my own childhood and aging.
Lambert's precise use of language and beautiful imagery tells an evocative story. Peruse the multiple status updates I posted with this review to savor the style and see if this book might be for you. This is great literature. Highly recommended.
Lambert captures moments from his childhood, adolescences, twenties and up to near his present. This is not precisely a memoir, not specifically identified as such, so I can only surmise that Lambert took real moments in time as inspiration, and these stories may range in their intimacy with the "Truth" of his memories. They may be fictionalized to suit a thematic or stylistic purpose. Regardless, they are written such that they feel honest and profound. Fiction is the lie that tells the truth.
Lambert takes us through his personal evolution from a somewhat tormented child through the discovery of his sexual freedom to his relationship with his life partner and then becoming caretaker of his parents on their deathbeds. It's a moving and sensitive story that unfolds a man who is discovering himself, his intellectual passion, his sexuality, his love, and his compassion. But it leaves much for us to interpret for ourselves as readers as well. It called me to reflect on my own childhood and aging.
Lambert's precise use of language and beautiful imagery tells an evocative story. Peruse the multiple status updates I posted with this review to savor the style and see if this book might be for you. This is great literature. Highly recommended.
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