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For those of you hesitant to buy this book because the subject seems to be about the nascent days of the comic book industry, don't be. This book is about life. The optimism of youth, the excitement of success and the disillusionment with life when it becomes painfully obvious that the big dreams you had will not come to pass. For those of you who want a picture of what life was like in New York in the 1940's, this book will almost make you feel like you were there. Buildings that were hubs of commerce then are described in great detail even though all that remains of them now is a memory. Chabon (the author) went to great pains to make sure that everything that he talks about is historically accurate by securing copies of books that described New York in detail printed during that time period. He also covers the 1939-1940 Worlds Fair and gives you a sense of the wonder and awe the people felt when they visited. The character Kavalier is an escapee from Nazi controlled Europe who comes to America with the intent to make enough money to get his family out before Hitler sends them to concentration camps. The book follows his struggle with the bureaucracy of the time and the difficulties in communicating with those who are residing in an occupied country. Clay is his Brooklyn born cousin who helps Kavalier get into the comic industry and they form an artist/writer team that rises to the pinnacle of the industry at the time. But more than that, it lets the reader share in their successes, disappointments, and the tragedy that befalls us all at one time or another. This book didn't win the Pulitzer for nothing. This book is a masterfully written slice of life that will not disappoint even the most sophisticated reader. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I will warn you though, a dictionary is a valued companion when reading this book. It is definitely NOT written for those with a limited vocabulary.Read full review
Great gift for the huge fan on my holiday shopping list. Exactly as advertised. THANKS!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
A wonderful read.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Why didn't anyone tell me about this book earlier? The best thing I've read in years ... it reminded me of 'The Prince of Tides' or perhaps 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' in it's depth of emotion ...
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