The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
by Jenners • 08/15/2010 • 5 Stars, A Titles, C Authors, Fiction, Historical, Literary • 25 Comments
Story Overview
After several attempts at writing my own summary of the book, I decided to go with the description on the back of the book so that I can just jump into telling you what I thought about it. So here it is:
Joe Kavalier, a young Jewish artist who has also been trained in the art of Houdini-esque escape, has just smuggled himself out of Nazi-invaded Prague and landed in New York City. His Brooklyn cousin Sammy Clay is looking for a partner to create heroes, stories and art for the latest novelty to hit America—the comic book. Drawing on their own fears and dreams, Kavalier and Clay create the Escapist, the Monitor and Luna Moth, inspired by the beautiful Rosa Saks, who will become linked by powerful ties to both men. With exhilarating style and grace, Michael Chabon tells an unforgettable story about American romance and possibility.
My Thoughts
There is so much I want to tell you about this amazing book that I barely know where to begin. So let’s start with what was initially the biggest stumbling block for me: comic books. I knew before I read this that it dealt extensively with comic books. Chabon has admitted to being a “fanboy” of the form, and my initial reluctance to tackle this 636-page book was mostly because I’ve never been a comic book reader and it seemed like a subject that might not hold my interest. If you have similar reservations, put them aside now.
Chabon is such a gifted writer and the comic book theme is interwoven so skillfully into the narrative that you’ll be utterly involved and absorbed in this book. In fact, Chabon does such a brilliant job evoking the pleasures and value of comic books that I found myself wanting to explore the form. (When I discovered that Chabon collaborated with various artists to create a series of Escapist comic books
The fact that Chabon uses the theme of escape in both the fictional comic book that Kavalier and Clay create and in the novel itself is pure genius. Everyone in this book is escaping something—whether it is the Escapist bursting out of heavy chains, Sammy trying to evade his sexual orientation, Rosa seeking a path out of domesticity, or Joe trying to sever the ties that bind him to Prague. I’m not a big fan of analyzing books; I tend to read for my own enjoyment and entertainment. But when a writer can so perfectly integrate a theme throughout a book, I find that it adds an additional layer of richness to the reading experience. I think every reader can relate to the concept of escape. We’ve all tried to escape from something in our own lives—be it a stifling home life, unrealistic expectations, a love affair gone bad, a political climate that oppressed us—so who among us couldn’t relate to characters who struggle mightily to escape their own demons, choices and environments?
The night he offered her the chance to draw “a comic book for dollies,” Rosa felt Sammy had handed her a golden key, a skeleton key to her self, a way out of the tedium of her existence as a housewife and a mother, first in Midwood and now here in Bloomtown, soi-distant Capital of the American Dream.
It is also easy to escape into Chabon’s writing. When I was reading the book, I took notes for myself as I read. One note read: “It is like Chabon has every word in the English language at his fingertips ready for use.” My first exposure to Chabon’s talent with words was when I read his collection of essays Manhood for Amateurs earlier this year. I was blown away by his writing in that book, and it was this (more than anything) that encouraged me to get over my fear of the comic book theme to read this book. And I wasn’t disappointed.
Chabon’s writing is an amazing thing. He has a gift for putting words together in a way that is surprising, playful and utterly satisfying. I sometimes talk about candy bar books and how they go down so easily but make you a little sick afterward. Reading a book by Michael Chabon is like sitting down for a gourmet feast that satisfies your soul. Yet, at the same time, his writing isn’t fussy and inaccessible. So, let me rephrase that: Reading a book by Michael Chabon is like sitting down for a gourmet feast of comfort foods … like eating the best macaroni and cheese you ever had in your life and finding out afterwards it tasted so good because the chef used black truffle oil in it.
There’s a blurb on the back of my copy from New York magazine that reads: “I’m not sure what the exact definition of a ‘great American novel’ is, but I’m pretty sure that Michael Chabon’s sprawling, idiosyncratic, and wrenching new book is one.” I have to say that I agree with this assessment. The book manages to incorporate the history of comic books, World War II, the immigrant experience, the “love that dare not speak its name,” the power and value of art, and the feel of New York City and its growing suburbs yet wraps it all around the involving story of two cousins and the woman who binds them together. At its center, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is about love, and the warm, beating heart of this book is what ultimately makes this such a satisfying read.
My Final Recommendation
Don’t let the comic book theme fool you, this is an accessible, satisfying, sprawling novel that will reward you with its brilliant use of the English language and a story that will simultaneously break and warm your heart. The theme of escape is interwoven brilliantly throughout the novel and makes for a rich, multi layered read. One of the closest contenders for the Great American Novel (Modern) that I’ve read.
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The Whys and Wheres: I got my copy from Paperback Swap almost two years ago. Initially, I got the book to read because it won the Pulitzer Prize, and I though I should read it. I’d also always meant to try a Michael Chabon book but always felt a little intimidated by them. Once I read Manhood for Amateurs, though, I knew I had to read this one.
It's been a couple years since I read this and it's begging for a re-read. I loved the characters and the story. It wasn't what I expected at all and that was a great thing!
Among all of Michael Chabon books. I think this is one of his greatest books ever. This The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay has a very unbelievable story that will never find in other book.
Okay. You write so wonderfully. I now have got to read this book.
I need to pick up one of the Chabon books I have already! I think I was afraid to be disappointed because I've built him up so much in my mind (kind of like Sarah Waters) but I just need to go for it. I'm sure I will love his writing and stories!
I haven't read any Chabon, but must rectify this soon. Sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for the good review.
I'm going to have to add this one to my Awesome Authors challenge list, because I haven't read anything by him and you make this book sound so good!
your reviews are always so beautifully written! I cannot decide which one I want to try first now of Michael Chabon's books, this one or after reading your Manhood for Amateurs review….
I bought this book some years ago, started to read it, then put it down for some unknown reason. I've kept the book, though, all this time with the intent to go back and try it again. Thanks for the encouragement!
This is such a brilliant book, isn't it? I love how the novel deals with the theme of escape and portrays it not as something shallow and puerile, but as a deep human need. And I hope this book will convince people that comics are not necessarily silly
It was fun to read Michael Chabon's essay collection Maps and Legends and to see how so many of his ideas about literature, storytelling and why we read found their way into Kavalier and Clay.
The comic book thing is exactly why I abandoned this one when my book club picked it years ago. I just could not wrap my brain around it. Maybe I should give it another shot.
Sounds like something a bit different, thanks for the glowing recommendation.
I loved this book, but did get a bit bored by the comic section in the middle. I almost gave up at one point, but I'm so pleased I didn't as the ending was fantatsic. I haven't read any other Chabon – I think I need to get one off the shelf soon.
I've never read Michael Chabon but it sounds like I'll have to give him a try. This is definitely not my usual genre but it sounds like it would be worth branching out to read this one. Great review as usual.
he is brilliant!!!!
and has great table manners.
sorry.
Hmm. Not necessarily something I'd have picked up on my own, but your rave review has made me want to read it.
I am so glad you liked this – it is one of my all time favorites. I might never have read it (due to comics and the time in which it is set) but my book club selected it. I was so glad they did – one of my all time favorite books!
ooh now see I totally would have passed on this one but your review…. hmmmm…. makes me think…. makes me consider……
As you know, I feel the same way. He is just magical! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
The only Chabon book I have is The Yiddish Policeman's Union but I haven't read it yet. I've seen this title but not any reviews. If I like the one I have, I will definitely read this one.
Another one for the TBR pile…this author's name is familiar to me but after a quick search on amazon, I did not see any other works of his that I had read…although the Amateur book and another by Chabon called Maps and Legends also will go on my TBR list.
I made my husband read this book and keep meaning to pick it up myself. I am so glad to hear you enjoyed it. I think I may tackle Michael Chabon's essay collection before I get to one of his books though. Then I'll make my husband read it. At least I'll be doing it the right way around this time.
I've yet to read any of Chabon's work. I know I am a bit behind the times, aren't I? I'll add this one to my list. While at one time I would have been a bit put off by the comic book theme, I wouldn't be now.
This is on my TBR list, and on my shelf, and like you the comic book thing is what's holding me back.
I read comics as a kid, too…stuff like Casper and Richie Rich. Again, nothing like what you're talking about here.
It sounds like a fascinating book. Long, but fascinating.
The comic book reference would have turned me off too. I did read comics as a kid, but they were Archie comics and I don't think they're quite the same thing. Your wonderful review made me add this to my wish list.