Assessment:
Plot: This literary, lyrical novel is enriched by its philosophical underpinnings. Readers looking for an exploration of grief and familial readers will enjoy this book, but those looking for a riveting adventure might turn elsewhere.
Prose/Style: The prose in this work is lovely, if at times leaning toward pretentious; readers will find it moves quickly and paints a vivid picture of each scene. They'll also enjoy the main character's voice, which is simultaneously witty and sardonic.
Originality: This is a book that deals with grief through humor and a touch of absurdity; general fiction readers will enjoy the compassion and care in each page, which, while reminiscent of the books touching on similar subjects, feels original.
Character Development: Luther is a well-defined, worldly, and unconventional character with a strong voice; readers will not soon forget him.
Date Submitted: August 21, 2019
"It’s rare to find a character like Luther van der Loon who makes such a rich and lasting impression—so vividly wounded, exuberant in characterization. Luther embodies the anxious, angst-ridden neurotic we are afraid we will become, or maybe who we aspire to be. In his grief over his mother’s accidental choking vis-à-vis death, his obsession with what is the point of life is simultaneously heartbreaking and hilarious. I could read this novel a hundred times and never tire of it."
~Amy E. Wallen, Author of When We Were Ghouls: A Memoir of Ghost Stories
"An original and very funny novel about a man's obsessive longing and guilt after his mother accidentally chokes on wonton soup. We follow the endearing protagonist through a period of mourning, cleverly interwoven with musical theory and an attempt to sue the Chinese take out restaurant, all brought to a hilarious finale with a last symposium on medieval music."
--Sheila Kohler, author of award-wnning novels including Cracks, Dreaming for Freud, and Becoming Jane Eyre.