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A review by beverly_h
The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a warming, hilarious and ingenious read. I have absolutely loved Tom Perrotta since reading 'Little Children' at the age of 16 (too young, potentially, but I have always been a precocious reader).
Perrotta's forte is, of course, portraying the reality, banality and intricacies of suburban life. He does this in 'The Leftovers', accompanied by a science-fictional flavouring that the 'Sudden Departure' gives rise to.
I won't forget the amount of laughing-out-loud I did at the beginning of this book. I appreciate Tom's wry, sometimes-cynical and hilarious insight into human nature; it is because of this that I connect to his writings so deeply. At several times throughout the novel, I found myself awestruck by his ability to describe human connection, his comprehension going beyond any psychology/communications book I've ever read.
The presence of the GR ('Guilty Remnant') in this novel was nothing short of artistry. The rules and regulations he dreamt up for the group were entertainingly outlandish, as was the entire premise upon which their existence was based. The quirks and antics of the GR were the source of much of my laughter toward the beginning. From the midpoint of the story onwards, we are familiarised with the warmth and tenderness shared between the various characters. It is at this point that scenes of intimacy are introduced, all of which are tantalising and delicious to read. This novel's characters are mostly lovable, 3D, relatable, and down-to-earth. They have realistic faults, emotions and ambitions (even if some of them are misguided).
In short, I loved everything about this story. It contains important life messages that young people would be well-served to read. The intergenerational friendships portrayed throughout are heartwarming and rare to find in novels these days (even though they are commonplace in everyday life). This is the first time in a while that I closed the back page of a book wishing I knew more about where the characters end up. I don't think I'll ever stop feeling like my soul aligns with the works of Tom Perrotta.
A true gem of a read.
Perrotta's forte is, of course, portraying the reality, banality and intricacies of suburban life. He does this in 'The Leftovers', accompanied by a science-fictional flavouring that the 'Sudden Departure' gives rise to.
I won't forget the amount of laughing-out-loud I did at the beginning of this book. I appreciate Tom's wry, sometimes-cynical and hilarious insight into human nature; it is because of this that I connect to his writings so deeply. At several times throughout the novel, I found myself awestruck by his ability to describe human connection, his comprehension going beyond any psychology/communications book I've ever read.
The presence of the GR ('Guilty Remnant') in this novel was nothing short of artistry. The rules and regulations he dreamt up for the group were entertainingly outlandish, as was the entire premise upon which their existence was based. The quirks and antics of the GR were the source of much of my laughter toward the beginning. From the midpoint of the story onwards, we are familiarised with the warmth and tenderness shared between the various characters. It is at this point that scenes of intimacy are introduced, all of which are tantalising and delicious to read. This novel's characters are mostly lovable, 3D, relatable, and down-to-earth. They have realistic faults, emotions and ambitions (even if some of them are misguided).
In short, I loved everything about this story. It contains important life messages that young people would be well-served to read. The intergenerational friendships portrayed throughout are heartwarming and rare to find in novels these days (even though they are commonplace in everyday life). This is the first time in a while that I closed the back page of a book wishing I knew more about where the characters end up. I don't think I'll ever stop feeling like my soul aligns with the works of Tom Perrotta.
A true gem of a read.