Mysteries of Pittsburgh: A Novel (P.S.)
by Michael Chabon
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Book Summary Information
Author: Michael ChabonEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-07-05
ISBN: 0060790598
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Book Reviews of Mysteries of Pittsburgh: A Novel (P.S.)
Book Review: Dark and thoughtful
Summary: 5 Stars
If you haven't read Chabon's essays or novels (notably The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, which won him a Pulitzer), do yourself a favor and get reading! The Mysteries of Pittsburgh is the second novel I've read by him. His first book, written when he was in his early 20s, may be a bit hard to begin but quickly picks up speed and fascinates.
Arthur is finishing his final work for his undergraduate degree and quickly frees himself to experience one final summer before whatever is next. Though there's not much to like about the character, he's the center of an ensemble of weird and sometimes terrifying characters: Another Arthur, gay and interested in the protagonist; Phlox, a young woman who's kooky, a little silly and extremely homophobic; Cleveland, "Evil Incarnate," an alcoholic who's background is dark and shady and grows even more so during the novel; Jane, Cleveland's calm, thoughtful off-and-on girlfriend from a well-to-do family; and finally the protagonist's dad, who holds enormous power in an outrageous yet believable criminal organization.
Arthur struggles to maintain friendships and relationships over the course of the three months of summer, and what's even more intriguing than the fleshed-out characters is the setting: Pittsburgh, circa 1985. If you're a lover of cities-as-characters, this novel breathes the kind of life into a city that many novels don't. Here, anything is possible, and young Arthur is unknown enough to himself that every moment seems a incredibly important and life-changing. In fact, every decision he makes creates a ripple effect that doesn't end even as the last page is turned.
Above all, Chabon's use of language is mesmerizing. While Kavalier and Clay is the pinnacle of wordsmithing, Pittsburgh is not too far behind as a smorgasbord of curious and well-penned language use. Even the depictions of sex, which I would argue no one should write, are essential to the story and the least awkward I've ever read (faint praise, I know).
Though this novel might not be for everyone, Chabon fans should pick it up if only to see where the writer's career began.
Summary of Mysteries of Pittsburgh: A Novel (P.S.)
By the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.United States Books
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