Renee Gladman

This is a book I'm not sure what I read, or if I like, but I certainly want more of it. The unnamed Linguist in this book wanders around, not understanding even though the words make sense are in the correct order, but the meaning seems to be malleable....

Its beautiful writing, but infuriating all at the same time - what is happening, why is it happening, what does any of it mean will drive a reader batty. I think the length of a book is an asset - any longer and will get bogged down in the almost makes sense language. The length also means its easy to re-read, although on second reading, was much like the first - comprehensible incomprehensibleness, if that makes sense.

Any way, you should read it. Even though you may throw this book at the wall.… (more)

Continuing from the foundation laid in the previous Event Factory, this book maintains its aloofness and strangeness of style, but deepens its exploration of space and how we explain it. While the description talks about translation, and that's an important element, the narrator often begins thoughts with the phrase "I think about architecture, and...". Place is important to this book, and especially how we don't really see the structures around us until they change or they're gone, nor do we see the effect they have on us until that effect is made permanent.

However, despite my enjoyment of the deepening of Gladman's themes, the latter half of the book falls flat for me, especially the vague and sometimes incomprehensible conversations between somewhat-unnamed characters that muddies the waters for me in what is otherwise an excellent and beautifully written exploration.… (more)