A large part of my enjoyment of the novel, aside from the story itself, was using Chabon's prose as a guide to transport me to New York during the middle portion of this century. This may be the one of the first enduring literary works of our new century. All Customer Reviews Avg. While the detail is overwhelming, it is also awkwardly integrated into the story. At times the plot seems lost, and then, all of a sudden, like magic, it is there in full Hollywood-style melodrama.
Some moments are absolutely implausible.
Jim Grimes from Chicago, United States Believe everything that you've heard about this book. It's an ambitious book that reminds you of a time when writers believed in themselves and believed in the Holy Grail of The Great American Novel. Critics will feel uncomfortable about the expansiveness and the scope of the novel and their comments will be reminiscent of criticism of Twain's Huck Finn. There are times when we need to know the greatness in life and simply relish it, enjoy it as much as we can. Mr. Chabon has given us such a gift with this book.