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raymond_murphy's review against another edition
3.0
If Stephen Merritt and Claudia were actually brother and sister, this would be their story. Kind of a downer. Not sure what it meant.
loujoseph's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the premise, and maybe because I read this in between books 2 and 3 of 1Q84, but I enjoyed it as a quick read.. will look for more books by Dana Spiotta.
ericfheiman's review against another edition
4.0
I read this novel on a single cross-country plane trip and it's haunted me ever since. Spiotta has a knack (as she did in Eat the Document) for combining borderline outrageous plotting with sharply realized characters that could be living next door. I found myself frequently muttering under my breath, "I always say/think/do that" as I read. That's a good sign a writer has done her work well. Highly recommended.
librarimans's review against another edition
3.0
Well written, interesting concept, but the end was less than stellar.
vikkiwarner's review against another edition
4.0
The world presented in this book is not a comforting one. It's one of neurosis, obsession, three a.m. terrors, and loneliness. It doesn't apologize for this fact, and Spiotta doesn't attempt to resolve it. But it's also a little bit in awe of the things people do for their families, the dreamy memories that can swarm us in times of crisis, and the crazy plans people make for their lives.
meghan111's review against another edition
3.0
Chronicles the life of an unknown musician named Nik, from the point of view of his sister Denise. Nik and Denise grow up in California in the 70s, and as a teenager he plays in homegrown, unknown bands, until eventually he becomes a quasi-recluse and his art takes a strange twist. Although he continues to write songs, he turns to creating a meticulous, mythologized archive of his fictional success as a rock star.
Denise narrates the story, and her head is full of thoughts about the nature of memory and the relationship between siblings. She's interested in how you can forget things about your childhood, but stepping back onto a particular street will dredge up memories that you had thought gone forever. As Nik and Denise's mother succumbs to dementia, and Nik devotes his life to an archive of unreal events, Denise is the one left to wonder about the meaning of it.
I liked that this had an unusual take on relationships, asserting the primacy of the sibling relationship in Denise and Nik's lives.
Denise narrates the story, and her head is full of thoughts about the nature of memory and the relationship between siblings. She's interested in how you can forget things about your childhood, but stepping back onto a particular street will dredge up memories that you had thought gone forever. As Nik and Denise's mother succumbs to dementia, and Nik devotes his life to an archive of unreal events, Denise is the one left to wonder about the meaning of it.
I liked that this had an unusual take on relationships, asserting the primacy of the sibling relationship in Denise and Nik's lives.
wsk56's review against another edition
3.0
This book tells the story of Denise, a forty-something divorced woman, and her older brother Nik, a musician and artist. Denise takes care of her mother, whose memory is declining. She also watches out for her brother, who hasn't really made much money, but who has put out a string of albums, most of which are heard only by close family and friends. He records every nuance of his life as a musician in The Chronicles, a series of books that detail every move in his career, some of it fake. For example, there are fake record reviews that Nik has written included in the books. There are many themes in the novel including relationships with family, memories, our reactions to world events and the meaning of art. It begs the question whether one is an artist if the art is not shared with the world. This novel doesn't answer many of its questions. It does, however, get you thinking about these issues. The structure of the book is as unconventional as its characters. I came to care about the people in the book, but did not really understand them. I found this frustrating; but, at the same time I found it impossible to put down. I wanted to see where the story went and if there was any resolution for Denise and Nik.
ianthereader0's review against another edition
4.0
4.5⭐️
Featured in my Blind Date with a Book Reading Vlog:
https://youtu.be/0qnmWKYZois
Featured in my Blind Date with a Book Reading Vlog:
https://youtu.be/0qnmWKYZois
wombifat's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75