Review: A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
by Jenners • 04/12/2011 • 3.5 Stars, E Authors, Fiction, Literary, V Titles • 54 Comments
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer EganPublisher: Anchor Books, 2010
Pages: 340
Genre: Fiction
Where I Got It: Bought it
My Rating: 3.5 stars
I don’t know how to begin describing this book to you. It is unlike any book I’ve ever read, and writing a straightforward book description is pretty much impossible. However, I’ll take a shot and try to give you feel for what you’ll find inside.
The book is (loosely) focused on two characters: Bennie (an aging punk rocker and record executive) and Sasha (his troubled assistant who takes things that don’t belong to her). We meet Sasha in the first “chapter,” and Bennie in the next. Now, pretend you have a special kaleidoscope for both Bennie and Sasha—one that can be turned and will show you their lives in a different arrangement, from a different perspective, and at a different time. Look through the kaleidoscope, give it a turn and … click … we go back in time and meet Bennie as a teenager in a “chapter” narrated by a member of his band, the Flaming Dildos. Click again. We’re now in Africa with the children of a record producer who ends up as Bennie’s mentor. Another click and we’re twenty years in the future as the record producer lays dying. And so on and so forth.
As the book progresses, each turn of the kaleidoscope presents another arrangement in the pattern that makes up Bennie and Sasha’s life. The book isn’t linear; it jumps back and forth through time. If you meet a character in one chapter, you will meet them again later on in another incarnation (sometimes in the future; sometimes in the past). The chapters don’t follow a predictable pattern either. Some are told in first person. Some in third person. One chapter is an extended “magazine” article for a celebrity interview that went awry. Still another (and the original reason I wanted to read the book) written entirely as a PowerPoint presentation. (This section was surprisingly effective and ended up being more emotionally affecting than you might imagine.)
In short, this isn’t your typical book, and I imagine you’ve already made up your mind whether you want to tackle it or not. If you decide to take it on, here are a few tips:
- Don’t read it spread out over a long time or you’ll begin to lose the threads that are holding the story together. I read the book over the course of a week (alternating with another book) and began to struggle with recalling details and who was who. Because the story is told in such a non-linear way, it is important to focus and read it with as few breaks as possible.
- To understand the rather enigmatic title, this quote might help: “Time’s a goon, right?”
- The book is divided into two main sections—A and B. Keep in mind that the book is very much about how we all travel from Point A to Point B…and why and how we got there. If you see a character’s A, know that you will eventually see the B as well.
I’m honestly not sure how I felt about this book. In many ways, it felt like a collection of interrelated short stories that end up weaving together to form a rather intricate and tricky pattern. As I plunged into each “chapter,” I never knew where I was initially. It was like jumping into a cold pool and having a bit of a shock until you got used to the water. Once I began to adapt, things started to come together. Then, at the end of the chapter, I’d get out of the pool and jump into another one and start all over again. It wasn’t an easy read. You definitely need to keep your wits about you. In fact, I think I need to reread the book to fully get a grip on exactly what Egan managed to do. It is a tricky balancing act she is attempting, and I think she manages it. However, having just finished the book, I think I’m too close to fully appreciate it as my head is still spinning. (Hence, it gets my mysterious 3.5 rating, which is reserved for books that I’m not sure what to do with. I recognize the genius of what Egan is doing but my main reaction after many of the chapters was “Huh.”)
The bottom line: If you’re an adventurous reader who likes to be challenged by a book, this would be a perfect read as it requires some effort on the reader’s part. In fact, I think to be fully appreciated, you might have to read the book twice. If you like your stories told in a linear and easily understandable way, this book is not for you. It is a challenge and an acquired taste—a taste I think I liked but felt very unfamiliar on my tongue.
But now that I’ve written all this, it occurs to me that this IS a taste that I’ve tasted before! This book is really the literary equivalent of Pulp Fiction, one of my all-time favorite movies. Both play with time and storytelling and require multiple visits to fully appreciate all that is going on. Although Goon Squad didn’t leave me quite as breathless and excited as Pulp Fiction, I realize that another visit is probably in order.
If you read this book, I’d LOVE to hear what you thought about it. Do you think you can appreciate the book on the first go round or would it take more than one read? Were you able to keep all the balls that Egan gives you to juggle in the air?
Wonder what other book bloggers think of this book? Find out at the Book Blogs Search Engine.
Pingback: Books Read In 2011 | Life…With Books
Pingback: Let The Great World Spin, I Am Not Myself These Days and Three Cups of Deceit Reviews | Life…With Books
Pingback: Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi | Life…With Books
I’ve just finished reading this, and I have to agree with you – I wasn’t sure quite how I felt about it. Some of the devices were bold and interesting, I found that exciting. But as a whole the novel felt a little lifeless and messy to me. I’d completely agree that anyone who hasn’t read this yet should set some time aside and get through it quickly. Like you I quickly forgot who was who and how they were all interrelated.
Thanks for the comment! It is always good to hear from someone who felt similar to a book … especially one like this which has been a bit polarizing. I do plan on rereading it again in a few months and seeing how I feel about it then. I almost never reread but think this book might actually benefit from it.
I might revisit it sometime in the future, but to be honest I think I’m more likely to chalk this one off. Maybe I’ll wait and see what the consensus is. If the majority find it to be the brilliant piece of literature that some of the critics are suggesting it is, I might give it another go.
Pingback: Current Bestsellers « Bestsellers
Must be an enjoyable read A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. loved the way you wrote it. I find your review very genuine and orignal, this book is going in by “to read” list.
This looks SO awesome and I’m picking it up today (Pulitzer influence). I’ll definitely let you know what I think when I’m done!
I’m sure the Pulitzer will have lots of people checking out this book … and they (and you!) are in for a doozy of a ride!!!!! I definitely want to hear your thoughts when you’re done! It is a wild read.
I’ve been waffling on this one, but I don’t think I’m in the mood for a “huh” book at the moment. Thanks for making up my mind!
Well, you’re welcome! Though I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see what you thought of it. Shucks. I’m sorry I talked you out of it.
You never fail to impress me with your reviews! I love that you used the concept of a kaleidoscope to describe how this book is written. It’s really perfect…before I read the rest of your review I’d already thought that every chapter must show a different aspect of Bennie or Sasha’s life in such a way thay we have no idea what’s coming next. Just like a kaleidoscope! This piqued my interest but then you compared it to Pulp Fiction.
I get a kick out of the movie now and have seen it many times. But the first time I saw it I didn’t like it at all. I was with several friends from law school and we were goofing around so I probably missed so important parts of the movie but I remember being horrified that it was up for best picture!. So this makes me wonder how I’ll feel about the book. Still, I love the idea of reading a book written in such a wacky way. It seems like a nice change. I will remember, when I read it, to read it quickly, though!
It isn’t like Pulp Fiction in CONTENT but in structure … that kind of loopy warped storytelling that made that movie so cool. (I was a huge fan! Thought it should have won best picture.) And I’m glad the kaleidoscope metaphor worked … that is exactly how you feel — you have no idea what is coming next!
As you can probably tell, I’m attracted to the outre. CBJames made me realize why Egan’s name was familiar–I read The Keep from the library some years ago and liked it. So I’ve got to read this one, but really appreciate the warning about trying to do it in one or two sittings.
I could see you really digging this book. I would be curious how it compares to her previous books. I can’t imagine it is anything like this!
I’m wait listed for the audio version of this one. Sounds like I’ll really have to pay attention to it though. I’ll let you know what I think.
Good luck with that!!! I can’t imagine it on audio … but I’m actually considering rereading it on the audio version. Don’t let your mind wander or you’ll get hopelessly lost … and I can’t wait to hear what you think of it.
Well done on the explanation. Sadly not a book I think I’ll attempt, it sounds way too complicated.
It is complicated but in a good way. I wish I’d read it in one or two sittings … I think I would have been able to follow along better.
Another brilliant review, Jenners. And another “difficult” book you have me adding to my TBR list. I drew away from it because of all the buzz but your comparison to Pulp Fiction has me wanting to read it. I’m still not sure why I love that movie!
What is not to love about Pulp Fiction??? I remember sitting in the theater the first time I saw it and going “WOW! This is sooooo different and really really cool.” Now keep in mind that the plot is not at all like Pulp Fiction but the narrative structure is similar in that you get bits and pieces of the story out of order but they all fall into place eventually. I’ll be very curious to hear your thoughts if you read it!
I think I’d be dizzy reading this one. I like your use of the kaleidoscope to illustrate the books changes.
It does make you a bit dizzy. And I was thinking and thinking about how to illustrate what the book is like and then when I thought of a kaleidoscope I was like “YES!”
Looks like she does everything the ‘authorities’ tell you not to do when writing a book.
Exactly! And she is winning prizes all over the place and getting all this acclaim. It is fun to see someone breaking all the rules and making it work.
sounds interesting, but I think I may get lost. Still amazed by how much you read and how fast you read it.
I got lost a lot … I should have read it all in one or two sittings so I could keep track of it. I think I’m going to reread it to get the full effect. And reading is my hobby…always has been and always will be. You make time for your hobbies, right?
I kind of like a book that makes the reader work at “getting it.” I’m curious about the powerpoint presentation section. I may take a shot and give it a go. Thanks Jenners.
The PowerPoint chapter is what intrigued me too! If you read it, let me know. You’ll probably want to talk about it.
Sounds very very cool. And I’m cool. So I’m sure I’ll like it.
I think you would get a kick out ofit. It is right up your alley…you being cool and all!
Definitely not for me. I have a short enough attention span as it is… and if I want to be challenged by my reading, I’ll take something heavy on history or perhaps a tad of philosophy.
I appreciate the review, though, as always.
Good for you for knowing what is a good fit for you. It is a wild and crazy book for sure!
You’ve piqued my interest, but I’m not sure the book is for me.
It definitely isn’t for everyone. At times, I wondered if it was for me! : )
I cannot WAIT to read this. Thanks for the review.
Oh it is a trip and a half! If you read it, I so want to hear your thoughts.
I’m worried this is one of those books that gets such great hype that I can’t help but be disappointed. It sounds fascinating, but I think I need to give it some time before I read it so I’m not expecting pure genius.
I do think it is almost a love it or hate it book. I was really hyped about the PowerPoint chapter (which totally worked for me) and just HAD to see what it was about. I know what you mean about managing expectations — though I think it would be hard to really expect what this book will end up being. It defies expectations really!
Yours is the first review that I’ve read of this book (at least that I recall – the memory isn’t what it used to be). I like your comparison with Pulp Fiction because I hated the movie the first time I watched it in college. It shocked me with its content so much that I didn’t appreciate the artistry. It took me a few years to really appreciate the movie on the whole (although it’s still not one I’d watch for fun). Not that I’m assuming I’d hate the book, just that your comparison made sense with everything else you had to say about it.
It has that same “what the heck is going on here?” feel to it … but not quite the same violence as Pulp Fiction. Check out Sandy’s review at You’ve GOTTA Read This — she did a great job with it.
I finished this book last night. Your use of the concept of kaleidoscope is brilliant. I took too long to read this book. I agree with you completely that it would be best to read it with as few interruptions as possible. Even so, I loved this book. Egan is amazing in her ability to flesh out so many different and interesting characters. I also loved the humor. This was a five star read for me.
I only finished yesterday too — we must have been reading it at the same time! I wish I’d know … I could have used a reading buddy with it! I felt like I had to get my review done right away before I totally lost track of my thoughts … it was hard to keep everything straight. I do think I made a huge error by not reading it straight through… I started to lose the momentum and got disconnected. I think I’m going to give it another go — perhaps on audio! Wouldn’t that be a trip? I can’t wait to read your review!
I really wanted this one to make the Indie Lit shortlist last year so that I’d get to read it (for sure). It didn’t so it went back in my to-read list.
This doesn’t sound anything like her first book, The Keep. I loved that book and it’s one of the reasons why I want to read this one. I love that you included those tips. I will keep them in mind when I pick it up later this year.
I’m surprised it didn’t make your shortlist last year. It is getting raves … but I’m sure it is a “hit or miss” book for many people. It does make me curious about her other books though.
I LOVED this book…gave it five stars. And, believe it or not, but I listened to it on audio. Talk about keeping you on your toes! I thought it was masterful and creative. And yes, even the PowerPoint presentation worked on audio. You are right, I never quite knew what I was going to get from chapter to chapter, and became almost a game to wonder who I was going to hear from next. I was delighted to the point of giggling. Not many books do that to me these days.
I went back and read your review today after I did mine. I was so impressed with it — especially now that I know what you were up against! I’m actually considering giving this a go on audio now that I’ve read the print version. I can’t imagine how you made sense of stuff going in cold on audio … but you are a pro audiophile!
Sounds like this was not an easy review to write. I read one of her other books, The Keep and was not impressed at all. It was okay, but it failed to connect with me, honestly. I’m all for experimentation but in the end of the day, the author must connect with the reader or what is the point?
I agree with you — and I think that is why I had such mixed feelings about it. I admired what she was doing but I didn’t feel connected to it emotionally. By choosing to tell her story like she did, she cut down drastically on the chance for readers to make an emotional connection with the characters. But I admire the framework she put together.
I got this from the library and looked through it and decided to take a pass. It seemed too outre for me.
Oh it is outre — very outre. I love the word outre.
I really, really want to read this one because it sounds so unusual and have heard amazing things about it. I love books that challenge me, so the fact that this one is written in a non-linear style and that it jumps from character to character is actually a selling point for me. I am going now to purchase this one after reading your review. Once again, I must say, you are bad for my credit card, Jenners!
And you are bad for MY credit card so we are even!!! : )
It is a really different and challenging book … in all the best ways. I think the more I think about it, the more I like it.