I haven't been doing much reading lately, since this wintry weather really lends itself to Netflix and Amazon Prime. That being said, I did just finish Jennifer Egan's Manhattan Beach.
You likely remember her last novel, A Visit From The Goon Squad (you can revisit my review here), which came out in 2011. The book won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Her latest work introduces us to a father and daughter, Eddie and Anna Kerrigan, living in New York City during World War II. When we first meet the duo, Anna is just about 10 years old. She tags along with her dad as he meets his business associates, playing with their children while the adults talk shop. It doesn't take young Anna long to realize her father is making deals with some pretty unsavory characters.
The story is narrated by both Eddie and Anna, bouncing back and forth between their two perspectives. We follow their story for over 10 years, as Anna grows into an independent woman and Eddie disappears (more on that in a minute). It was fascinating to read about a particular event or period of time, then gain even more insight as you heard it again from the alternate point of view.
The book goes deep on life in New York in the 1940s, particularly at the Naval Yard, where Anna works. She becomes a diver, something I now know more about than I ever thought I would. For me, the story went way too into the minutiae of Anna's day-to-day tasks, to the point where I found myself skimming pages (which I never do).
Despite the diving / Naval Yard rabbit hole, Jennifer Egan really is gifted. Some people read for an escape or to become enthralled in a story, I read to become a better writer. Egan most definitely inspired me with her descriptive prose. Here is just one example, where we learn about Eddie and his mistress:
"At Playland, Eddie and the little boys had ridden potato sacks down long wooden slides, getting friction burns where a knee or an elbow dragged against the wood. The fun-house floor was pocked with holes through which loud blasts of air (fired by some hidden wiseacre) were meant to lift girls' skirts. Ingrid had a horror of these blasts, and she clung to Eddie, laughing.
As they rode the streetcar back, Eddie had placed a hand on each boy's chest to steady them. He'd been startled by the sensation of their hearts scrambling like mice against his fingertips.
They were still there, Ingrid and her boys. They were thinking of him - waiting for him. Edie felt this truth in his body like a layer of earth turning over. It was all still there, everything he'd left behind. Its vanishing had been only a trick."
I re-read this phrase multiple times, "their hearts scrambling like mice against his fingertips." So vivid!
It pains me to say this, but unless you are particularly interested in Naval Yard life during World War II in New York, I would skip this book. While the writing is beautiful, it can't make up for the slow pace.
Have you read anything great lately? I'm always look for new books.
*Image courtesy of Brooklyn Historical Society.
Comments
Digital Zone
Mon, 05/04/2020 - 09:40
More often than not, when you use service search terms these firms specialize in jobs appointing during my realm possibly work around my local area. Nothing at all is nope during this. Truthfully, near painful global financial eras travelers needs to be tiny bit far more powerful utilizing a assignment shop. Whenever you want to contemplate it, the reason that most guys need a purpose in the geographic area is actually easiness. It is somewhat convenient to work almost domestic since it will reduce problems, strains, but also money created by transportation. Prospect that are searhing for activities retaining during my domain is because definitely is nifty to remain dear to home assuming any type of critical internal crisis rears its ugly head. This is certainly to tell you practically of the classic benefits caught up once you have young children. Aluminium ramen Limburg
noman khatri
Sun, 05/10/2020 - 10:03
If your looking for Online Illinois license plate sticker renewals then you have need to come to the right place.We offer the fastest Illinois license plate sticker renewals in the state. Internet Marketing
noman khatri
Tue, 05/19/2020 - 07:54
Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! List of online gambling sites
mairakhatri khatri
Tue, 05/26/2020 - 03:49
With so many books and articles coming up to give gateway to make-money-online field and confusing reader even more on the actual way of earning money, Informes económicos
Seo link creator
Wed, 06/10/2020 - 03:28
I visit your blog regularly and recommend it to all of those who wanted to enhance their knowledge with ease. The style of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that shrewdness you provide the readers! voyance gratuite telephone
Seo link creator
Wed, 06/10/2020 - 06:07
I visit your blog regularly and recommend it to all of those who wanted to enhance their knowledge with ease. The style of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that shrewdness you provide the readers! random
Seo link creator
Wed, 06/10/2020 - 07:21
I visit your blog regularly and recommend it to all of those who wanted to enhance their knowledge with ease. The style of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that shrewdness you provide the readers! Alex Kime Chicago
Seo link creator
Wed, 06/10/2020 - 08:13
I visit your blog regularly and recommend it to all of those who wanted to enhance their knowledge with ease. The style of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that shrewdness you provide the readers! https://tajria.com/
Seo link creator
Thu, 06/11/2020 - 09:40
nice post, keep up with this interesting work. It really is good to know that this topic is being covered also on this web site so cheers for taking time to discuss this! TARGET
Jackson seo
Sat, 07/04/2020 - 08:59
I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. CTFO
Jackson seo
Sun, 08/16/2020 - 08:44
Thanks For sharing this Superb article. https://okprint.az/buklet-capi/
I use this Article to show my assignment in college.it is useful For me Great Work.
GLOD STAR
Sun, 07/05/2020 - 07:11
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work Taekwondo
GLOD STAR
Sat, 07/18/2020 - 05:30
Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. https://www.fastbet98.net/
Shahzad Khatri
Mon, 07/20/2020 - 12:28
SBOBETASIA adalah salah satu Agen SBOBET Terpercaya yang menghadirkan Judi SBOBET Online agar bisa memberikan kemudahan Daftar SBOBET Resmi dengan minimal deposit 25rb saja JUDI SBOBET ONLINE
Jackson seo
Tue, 07/28/2020 - 03:12
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. HOTELS SKW
GLOD STAR
Thu, 07/30/2020 - 05:04
Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! เว็บพนันออนไลน์
GLOD STAR
Sun, 08/09/2020 - 06:16
The Fine Life dog claw clippers used by professional groomers & veterinarians on small, medium, and large dogs and cats. dog claw clippers
GLOD STAR
Sat, 08/22/2020 - 10:48
Buy Online Car Accessories and Auto parts in all over Pakistan. Get a wide range of Car auto parts, and car modifications parts. Upgrade your car features with online car accessories
Jackson seo
Thu, 09/03/2020 - 03:06
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. Jungle boys
Jackson seo
Mon, 09/07/2020 - 07:25
Следующим шагом является разработка сайта, включая работу по визуализации вашего сайта. Затем interactive media тестируется и отправляется клиенту, чтобы убедиться, что процесс создания веб-сайта завершен. Работайте с компанией, которая предоставляет вам все инструменты для охвата вашей целевой аудитории, привлечения клиентов и увеличения вашего дохода! İnteractive media - Рано или поздно каждая компания должна развивать свой бизнес. В этом случае основным инструментом является Интернет. И для правильного доступа к Интернету вам сначала нужен веб-сайт, потому что вам нужно место для отображения вашего продукта, прежде чем отправлять его пользователям Интернета. Это включает в себя некоторые дизайнерские работы, такие как использование корпоративных цветов. Создание страницы завершено. Затем веб-сайт тестируется и передается клиенту, чтобы убедиться, что он полностью функционален, что завершает процесс создания interactive media. Как правило,
https://www.interactivemedia.az/sayt-acmaq-yaratmaq/
процесс создания сайта можно разделить на несколько этапов. Первый шаг - собрать точную информацию о недавно открывшемся сайте. Не все возможные проблемы могут быть определены на данном этапе. На втором этапе общее содержание сайта определяется путем принятия решения, какие разделы получить доступ. Вы можете внести изменения. Эта информация будет основой для открытия страницы.
Jackson seo
Thu, 09/24/2020 - 13:14
Great article Lot's of information to Read...Great Man Keep Posting and update to People..Thanks irumax
Abdul Wahab
Sun, 10/25/2020 - 10:17
When you use a genuine service, you will be able to provide instructions, share materials and choose the formatting style. HONEY DETOX: HOW TO STILL ENJOY SWEETS AND BE HEALTHY WITH RAW HONEY
Jackson seo
Wed, 12/09/2020 - 06:13
Truly, this article is really one of the very best in the history of articles. I am a antique ’Article’ collector and I sometimes read some new articles if I find them interesting. And I found this one pretty fascinating and it should go into my collection. Very good work! netflix cookies
Jackson seo
Tue, 12/29/2020 - 10:22
Thanks for providing recent updates regarding the concern, I look forward to read more. Stahlwandpool
Digital Zone
Fri, 02/05/2021 - 18:15
If more people that write articles really concerned themselves with writing great content like you, more readers would be interested in their writings. Thank you for caring about your content. best ecommerce business
Abdul Wahab
Sat, 06/26/2021 - 08:41
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. Verfahrensdokumentation Steuerberater
jahanghir khatri
Mon, 06/28/2021 - 01:25
Great Information sharing .. I am very happy to read this article .. thanks for giving us go through info.Fantastic nice. I appreciate this post. cinema near me
Abdul Wahab
Mon, 06/28/2021 - 08:04
What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much. klebefolie für möbel
Abdul Wahab
Thu, 07/01/2021 - 06:52
You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. Stahlwandpools
jahanghir khatri
Sat, 07/24/2021 - 10:35
This blog is so nice to me. I will keep on coming here again and again. Visit my link as well.. high frequency machine professional
Abdul Wahab
Thu, 08/12/2021 - 02:21
Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! interview transcription services
jahanghir khatri
Sun, 08/15/2021 - 06:32
Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. ทางเข้า ufabet
Muhammad Alamghir
Tue, 08/17/2021 - 01:29
Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer!.. บริการ SEO
Muhammad Alamghir
Wed, 08/18/2021 - 01:56
Fabulous post, you have denoted out some fantastic points, I likewise think this s a very wonderful website. I will visit again for more quality contents and also, recommend this site to all. Thanks. Real Estate Nigeria
Abdul Wahab
Thu, 08/19/2021 - 11:51
I appreciated your work very thanks erotic high heels
jahanghir khatri
Thu, 08/19/2021 - 12:46
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. บาคาร่า
Muhammad Alamghir
Fri, 08/20/2021 - 11:28
This blog website is pretty cool! How was it made ! Good Night
jahanghir khatri
Thu, 09/02/2021 - 13:01
I’ve been surfing online more than 5 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours without a doubt. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Thanks... Jayamix Area Bekasi
abdul rouf
Thu, 01/13/2022 - 05:47
This is truly an practical and pleasant information for all. Thanks for sharing this to us and more power Buy Marijuana Online
abdul rouf
Thu, 01/13/2022 - 07:55
I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. 에볼루션카지노
abdul rouf
Fri, 01/14/2022 - 00:38
Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! sprinkler repair tomball tx
abdul rouf
Mon, 01/17/2022 - 02:54
I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post. GOD
abdul rouf
Tue, 01/18/2022 - 05:38
Thank a lot. You have done excellent job. I enjoyed your blog . Nice efforts google ads for sale
abdul rouf
Tue, 01/18/2022 - 10:33
I am always searching online for articles that can help me. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working, great job umt dongle setup
abdul rouf
Wed, 01/19/2022 - 03:00
I surely acquiring more difficulties from each surprisingly more little bit of it college essays for sale
abdul rouf
Sun, 01/23/2022 - 05:43
This is a fantastic website and I can not recommend you guys enough. 안전놀이터
abdul rouf
Thu, 01/27/2022 - 10:07
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. ครีมทาผิว
Abdul Wahab
Fri, 01/28/2022 - 05:45
When you use a genuine service, you will be able to provide instructions, share materials and choose the formatting style. ครีมซองเซเว่น
abdul rouf
Fri, 01/28/2022 - 10:16
This is a great post. I like this topic.This site has lots of advantage.I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me in many ways.Thanks for posting this again. buy codeine
abdul rouf
Fri, 01/28/2022 - 10:18
This is a great post. I like this topic.This site has lots of advantage.I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me in many ways.Thanks for posting this again. buy codeine