Author: Michael Chabon
The book is set on Telegraph Ave at the border of Oakland and Berkeley, which is very much in my neck of the woods. It centers on the lives that revolve around the families of the two partners of Brokeland Records, Archy Stallings and Nat Jaffe. Archy is black and Nat is white (Jewish) and the novel brings out the quintessential diversity that is prevalent in the Berkeley region. Archy and Nat have their own unique personalities and Michael develops their character, flaws and all, very effectively.
Their wives Gwen and Aviva are also partners but in the birthing business and are strong characters on their own accord. I found the mis-adventures of Berkeley Birth Partners to be a more compelling story than the struggling used vinyl business that is Brokeland Records. Overall, Michael paints a picture that is vivid and rich with plenty of entertainment and suspense thrown in. The backdrops seem very authentic and the language is complex and has an eclectic mix of black and white metaphors. My only gripe is the rather convoluted language forced me to re-read several passages just to grasp their message. There is even a 12-page sentence that describes where everyone is from the point of view of a parrot. Sometimes I wonder if Michael is more interested in flexing his muscles and showing off his large vocabulary, instead of just trying to tell this story.
Overall, this is a great book if you can comprehend it.
The book is set on Telegraph Ave at the border of Oakland and Berkeley, which is very much in my neck of the woods. It centers on the lives that revolve around the families of the two partners of Brokeland Records, Archy Stallings and Nat Jaffe. Archy is black and Nat is white (Jewish) and the novel brings out the quintessential diversity that is prevalent in the Berkeley region. Archy and Nat have their own unique personalities and Michael develops their character, flaws and all, very effectively.
Their wives Gwen and Aviva are also partners but in the birthing business and are strong characters on their own accord. I found the mis-adventures of Berkeley Birth Partners to be a more compelling story than the struggling used vinyl business that is Brokeland Records. Overall, Michael paints a picture that is vivid and rich with plenty of entertainment and suspense thrown in. The backdrops seem very authentic and the language is complex and has an eclectic mix of black and white metaphors. My only gripe is the rather convoluted language forced me to re-read several passages just to grasp their message. There is even a 12-page sentence that describes where everyone is from the point of view of a parrot. Sometimes I wonder if Michael is more interested in flexing his muscles and showing off his large vocabulary, instead of just trying to tell this story.
Overall, this is a great book if you can comprehend it.
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