In the Language of Love: A Novel in 100 Chapters

Rating:
Summary: An original and beautiful book.
Review: Although I found the structure (using the 100 words of the standard word association test IN ORDER) to be somewhat limiting, I have to admire Schoemperlen's inventiveness and facility with the English language. I think we might have had the same mother: some of the flashbacks to the protagonist's youth were astonishingly familiar and evoked sharp feelings. Do not miss reading this original and beautiful book.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: I don't think another word can sum it up quite so perfectly. There are passages I find myself quoting to people (something I rarely do) because they are beyond eloquent. Although there isn't a typical plot, what you grasp/feel/understand about (the life of) Joanna is more than in most books that lead you from start to finish. A truly remarkable first novel and worthy of everyone's time.

Rating:
Summary: exquisite book
Review: This is absolutely writing at it's most perfect. Not a plot-driven novel, but a beautiful character study, and writing simply does not get any better than this. Diane Schoemperlin is amazing. One of the best books I've read in some time.