Assessment:

Plot: Cresse taut literary novel tells the story of an ambitious writer and editor whose life spirals into uncertainty and dysfunction. Cresse soundly details the circumstances that lead from New York City dreams to being a live-in resident at a derelict hotel.

Prose: Cresse's novel is a polished, well-conceived story of one individual's path to self-destruction. The author excels at in-scene development and effectively balances exposition and dialogue.

Originality: Stories of descent from empowerment and opportunity to addiction and despair are frequent, but the vivid 1980's Manhattan setting, and Mary Clement's unique set of circumstances are noteworthy.

Character/Execution: The novel's nonlinear structure allows readers to trace the events of Mary Clement's life in Manhattan and her subsequent decline, while the novel maintains a sense of hope for her future. The protagonist's cynicism is offset by moments of honest self-reflection and yearning for redemption. Side characters are convincing and well-established.

Date Submitted: August 10, 2020