A review by callieisreading
Homer & Langley by E.L. Doctorow

3.0

A weird little book that left me feeling unsettled. Two brothers are born into the high society of early 1900's New York City, with a mansion on 5th Avenue overlooking the park that is always filled with parties and people. Homer, the younger son (and the narrator of this story), begins to go blind early in childhood, and develops a deep bond with his brother Langley, who becomes the leader of the two. After their parents pass away from Spanish Influenza, they truly have only each other to rely on, and slowly entomb themselves in their palace, observing the 20th century take place around them. This book reminded me very strongly of Forrest Gump in that way.

The book was quick and short, but I felt like the ending was truly the weakest part of the story. It felt like the author couldn't figure out a way to end it, and had it just stop.

I read this for my +12 in '12 challenge of reading the first 12 books on my TBR list.