I had the strangest experience while reading Jay Lake’s Green. I kept feeling like I’d read it before while absolutely knowing I hadn’t. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing derivative about the story and the plot turned in ways that surprised me. What it felt like was that this was a book that I’d read and loved, but so long ago that I’d completely forgotten it. I finally realized that it was because the character Green was so real and vivid to me that I recognized her the way I’d recognize a friend.
You know how you meet someone and feel like you’ve always known them. I had exactly that experience with this book.
This is seriously good first person writing from word one. I adored Green the character and loved Green the novel. I highly, highly recommend this book, particularly if you’re looking for a strong female protagonist.
I’m glad! Can I use your last para. for a blurb?
Of course! It’s really wonderful. I just sent a copy off to my niece.
I still haven’t read any of Jay’s novels (I know – I’m a bad con acquaintance! There should be a word for that… conquaintance?) but I have Trial of Flowers on my shelf. Perhaps I’ll read it once I finish Money. (Because Martin Amis to Jay Lake is just natural progression, right?)
Incidentally, when can I buy your book? Will it have a UK release, or will I have to organise a trip trip to New York to obtain a first edition? 🙂
Trial of Flowers is a radically different type of book. Both are good, but very, very different.
Shades of Milk and Honey comes out in Spring 2010
Wow. I have no idea.
This. Yes.
Though I have not read GREEN, I wonder if
the ‘strong female protagonist’ reminded you
of your very self Mary, and that is why it
seemed she was so very familiar to you.