"Time's a goon, right? You gonna let that goon push you around?"
Since it won the Pulizter, A Visit from the Goon Squad has been discussed and reviewed quite a bit around the blogosphere. Instead of recapping the 13 chapters (all of which could stand alone) and their non-linear structure, I want to talk about why I think this book is so special. Jennifer Egan has created a unique masterpiece that is unlike anything I've read in quite some time.
Egan has connected a multitude of memorable characters over a span of 50 years in a storyline that explores time and memory, the self-destruction and disappointments that inevitably ensue as we age and the redemption and second chances that we take, if we're lucky. These themes may seem hackneyed, but the narrative structure in which she writes them are altogether unique. It's a beautifully complicated novel, but not confusing in the least.
A Visit From the Goon Squad uses the idea of music and the music industry to convey these themes. Egan connects the relationship of music and life, highlighting their connection of time, to suggest life's tumultuous instances, the disorder and the starts and stops, the "pauses" and restarts, all work to create our reality, whether its the one we've planned for or not. Egan suggests its the disorder that ends up organizing our lives.
The pause makes you think the song will end. And then the song isn't really over, so you're relieved. But then the song does actually end, because every song ends, obviously, and That. Time. The. End. Is. For. Real.Again, this device may seem trite, but she executes it in a way that is completely inimitable. The entire novel is so delicately weaved, connecting ideas that, to me, are incredibly relevant; the overall effect is quite refreshing. If this is how the future of fiction reads, I couldn't be more excited.
Publisher: Anchor Books, 2010
Any favorite parts? Mine was the PR person and the general. And also, the last one. There was something about those two - that I can't put my finger on - that just stood above the rest.
ReplyDeleteYour point that this is high-concept fiction, but not the least confusing, is a very good one. People hear Pulitzer, interconnected short stories, and Egan, and assume it must be difficult. It's not hard to follow, nor is it hard to understand - but like any literary novel, I think, the more thought you put into it, the more you get out of it. It's like an episode of The Simpsons, it works on a granular level, but if you get the "jokes," you get a more rewarding understanding.
Greg, My favorite chapters were when Sasha's uncle went to look for her in Naples, the celebrity interview and the Power Point. The last one was also quite memorable. I feel like after looking back on all the chapters I want to read it again and pick up the connections that I missed.
ReplyDeleteI'm really curious about this one. It sounds so good. I'm on the long, long wait list at the lirary, but hopefully soon. Your review has explained the concept better, which make me want to read it even more.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, You should see if your library offers a copy of the large print version. Usually with popular books they do, and the waiting list is considerably shorter.
ReplyDeleteGreat review as always Brenna. This was one of my favorites so far this year. I agree that when you break down the themes they feels a litte tired, but they feel so fresh when you eras the book.
ReplyDeleteLBC, Thanks! And yes, that is the case.
ReplyDeleteI was really excited about your review because I always enjoy your reviews, but I still just don't see reading this in the near future. I feel like life can be so overwhelming on its own that I just can't have a novel recapping the fact. It certainly sounds unique. I read Emerald City: Stories for book club so many months ago and Egan just left a bad taste in my mouth. SO depressing. Glad you enjoyed it, though. Great review!
ReplyDeleteBeth, This is my first Egan and from what I've read, this one and The Keep are supposed to be her best. It is a really unique book and if you get a chance to read it I think you would like it. It's not as heavy as I made it sound.
ReplyDeleteHi Brenna, I look forward to reading this. I have read a short story collection by Egan: Emerald City and Other Stories and loved it. Thanks for review
ReplyDeleteMel, I really want to check out The Keep. I'm guessing if you liked her short story collection that you'll like Goon Squad as well.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one too. I didn't love it but I did like her style. I'm reading The Keep right now. Interesting so far and it does have the same writing style.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first review I've read that made me actually want to read this book. For some reason I always resist the books that *everyone* has read-but you make this sound worth reading.
ReplyDeleteI read two chapters at a bookstore one afternoon and I can't wait to read it all! :)
ReplyDeleteI have the audio on my iPod. I do like the sound of this one.
ReplyDeleteMrs. B, I'm really interested in reading The Keep. I'll keep an eye out for your review.
ReplyDeletebibliophiliac, I'm happy to hear that. I'm usually the same way - rarely do I read the books that everyone else is reading. But I'm a big fan of Pulitzer winners and had to get my hands on this one.
Reeder Reads, If you liked the first two chapters I'm sure you'll enjoy the rest!
Diane, I wonder if I would have thought differently of the book had I listened to it on audio. I have a hard time following audio books, and you're going to miss the Power Point!
Great review. I'm just finishing this one up now and I'm trying to figure out what tack to take when writing a review. I like your thoughts about Egan making the point that it is, paradoxically, the disorder in our lives that actually give it some kind of order. Similar to the idea that one character expressed (I think Sasha's uncle) when he said that death is what makes our lives meaningful. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I put it on my to-read list when it won the Pulitzer, and I'm glad to hear that it's worth the read. Some other prize winners I've read recently have been kind of disappointing. I'm really looking forward to this one though. I've heard so many good things about it, especially about the powerpoint chapter.
ReplyDeleteI've got this on my list - I guess these things don't win the Pulitzer for being only a little bit good :-) It sounds unique but not gimmicky, can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI love the charts CB James made when he wrote his review. I enjoyed AVFTGS and plan to reread it so I can catch all the interconnections. I have a question: Do you think that in the later chapters, when Sasha was creating art out of things she'd found, do you think she found those things? Did she still have her problem or the art was a new and healthier outlet? oops, that's 2 questions.
ReplyDeleteI know this was so cleverly written, avant-garde structure, the back and forth in time etc etc... but it had no spirit! No love! (and I don't mean an absence of romance). It was so... academic and clever and quirky that it left out the heart.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's what I think :) glad to see that you appreciated it and that the prize-givers weren't off their rockers when they burdened it with so many titles!