I read this for bookclub. I must admit I was initially hesitant. It sounded like it would be a run of the mill memoir. However, it was FABULOUS. I literally read it in one day. The narrator makes it read more like fiction, and, despite the terrible life she had growing up, keeps her own emotions out of the novel. She could have easily been bitter and hateful - but she pushes that aside and writes the "truth" (or what truth can be found in a memoir).

Recommend for people interested in sociology.

I loved it (but I am slightly biased, as T.C. Boyle is one of my favorites). This novel explored the life of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, moving in reverse chronological order and focusing on his relationships with the many women in his life. At first I was unsure why he wrote it in reverse, but it all makes sense upon completion. A lot is learned about the brilliant man, his buildings, and his relationships.

This was interesting. And long. Burrough did some serious research and it shows. I can appreciate that. About 3/4 of the way through, though, I hit a wall and just wanted it to be over. However, the nonfiction story followed the lives of the major "enemies" of the 30s - Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson, Bonnie and Clyde, and the Barkers (among others).

i enjoyed this novel. I was more excited about having Wilkie Collins (one of my favorite authors) as a narrator than it being the "story" of Charles Dickens. I really didn't know what to expect, not knowing much about either authors' life apart from the fact that they were collaborators and friends. What I didn't expect, I got.

What I got was historical fiction, Victorian-esque literature, horror, and more. There were a few parts that could have been edited out - parts that reeked of "I researched it, so it is going into the novel whether or not it detracts from the actual story line". But, for the most part, I was satisfied with the novel, with the unreliable narrator, with the story line, with the history, and with the fantastical elements embedded throughout.

book club read. i had to abandon it at page 77. i couldn't take it anymore. very SLOW book. with choppy sentences.

Doesn't compare to his historical fiction. I loved The Road to Wellville, RIven Rock, and The Inner CIrcle. This does not stand up to those. That being said, I was concerned about the characters enough to keep reading. It was especially interesting to have a deaf protagonist and enter into a world unknown to me. The ending was a let down. Everything I wanted to happen didn't.

I like the concept. And I like that he never once said or did anything that made it feel as though he, or anyone he encountered, was trying to convert anyone - most likely due to the fact that he himself was and continues to be (post-living-biblically) skeptical. He made many good points about religion and faith - especially those regarding how people should treat one another.

That being said, about 3/4 of the way through I was ready for the memoir to end. Not sure why I felt this way. Maybe the novelty wore off. Or maybe I was done feeling completely ignorant since I am essentially biblically-illiterate. Or maybe I just really wanted to read something else.