Well, so much for catching up on my book posts! Here I was all proud of myself nearly 3 week ago about getting up-to-date, then I pretty much ignore this blog and then rattle off 4 more books (albeit short ones). So now I find myself behind yet again, but that only seems like things are back to normal.
One thing that is not normal is the world created by Dan Chaon in his book Await Your Reply. This book got my attention since it had some good buzz and has been landing on some of those Best of 2009 lists. In the past, that usually meant me making a mental note to get it when it was published in paperback, but thanks to the Kindle these days I don't hesitate as the $9.99 e-book version are likely less than I would have paid for the paperback release.
Going in I did not know a whole lot about the book (another nice thing about e-books, no worries about the often spoiler-ific inside flap or back cover), other than it was pretty much three different stories that would ultimately reveal why they were all part of the same book by the last page. So I dived in knowing that it would require some patience, going with the proverbial flow. Even my reading buddy Joanna telling me she quit the book (though I didn't inquire why, but maybe she'll chime in now!), didn't worry me all too much, but even after that first night of reading I knew that this wasn't a book for everyone.
So yes, the novel consists of three disparate and interwoven stories and if that isn't enough, it sometimes unfolds non-sequentially. A bit unsettling, though in retrospect I am guessing it was quite intentional on Chaon's part, though it did make it hard to gain momentum or, as if often the case in multiple narrative works, you find yourself caring about (or wanting to get back to) more than the other(s). I did find each storyline intriguing and it was filled with interesting, if not terribly likable, characters, which may be another reason why some might not like the book. I've read other reviews where folks said the lack of redeeming features was an issue. For me, lack of redeeming qualities is something I would more worry about in my real life vs. the fictional worlds I like to immerse myself in. That said, there is quite a bit of sociopathic characters in this one as well as some cringe-inducing violence that again might prove to be turn-off for some folks. With plenty of availability of book previews, you might want to test this one out as that violent act is the very first thing the read is presented with, though in all fairness it is just a small episode in one of the stories.
A lot ultimately depends on the ending and how these stories are wrapped up. Of course, I am not going to talk about anything plot-related or how it gets there, though I will say its pretty skillful and a bit mind-blowing. Despite what thinking I have a good body of reading behind me, I still would give myself a B- on figuring out surprise endings or anticipating twists and turns. Chaon doesn't totally clobber you over the head with resolution, so this is a book that I would have definitely liked to have discussed with others (though several weeks later I am not sure how effectively I could, it needed immediacy).
I gave this book 4 (out of 5) stars on GoodReads as the ending wasn't quite everything I hoped for and this is a book that depends on that payout for the time/mental investment you have put into it. But still the ending was 70-80% there for me and usually it takes some time for me to come around to the WTF?!! type of endign (i.e. the "The Sopranos" finale), though a couple of weeks later I am still not sure. Overall, a well-written, intricate, and highly atmospheric (very noir, very Hitchcock) work that has lingered in my mind.
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