A complusively readable riff on the classic detective novel from America’s most inventive novelistWinner of the National Book Critics Circle Award and a New York Times Notable Book“Utterly original and deeply moving.” —EsquireBrooklyn’s very own self-appointed Human Freakshow, Lionel Essrog is an orphan whose Tourettic impulses drive him to bark, count, and rip apart our language in startling and … drive him to bark, count, and rip apart our language in startling and original ways. Together with three veterans of the St. Vincent’s Home for Boys, he works for small-time mobster Frank Minna’s limo service cum detective agency. Life without Frank Minna, the charismatic King of Brooklyn, would be unimaginable, so who cares if the tasks he sets them are, well, not exactly legal.
But when Frank is fatally stabbed, one of Lionel’s colleagues lands in jail, the other two vie for his position, and the victim’s widow skips town. Lionel’s world is suddenly topsy-turvy, and this outcast who has trouble even conversing attempts to untangle the threads of the case while trying to keep the words straight in his head.
Motherless Brooklyn is a brilliantly original, captivating homage to the classic detective novel by one of the most acclaimed writers of his generation.
more
Just excellent writing.
likely a better movie than book since the characters are a bit odd. Knowing Brooklyn makes it easier to read as many of the places and people are unique. I found myself actually thinking of people i know just like the main characters – I swear i went to high school with at least two of them.
This is not a book for the casual – you have to think a …
My own endeavor into noir in “Outerborough Blues: A Brooklyn Mystery” was greatly influenced by this book as it had a literary aspect threaded through the traditional genre elements.
A hero with Tourette’s Syndrome!
A very interesting remake of a detective story–my recommendation was for the architecture and descriptions of Brooklyn as much as the story, and yes I enjoyed taking a step beck from the ‘regular’ story and just enjoying the ride.
A good read with an unforgettable character whose life has been anything but typical. Truly felt as though I was experiencing the story through his eyes.
It was an interesting protagonist. However I felt the Tourette’s issue. Was distracting after awhile and seemingly a bit contrived. On the other hand it important to give voice to this syndrome.
Lethem is a wonderful writer. His language is gorgeous, even when his settings are gritty. Having a Tourette’s syndrome protagonist makes room for amazingly inventive wordplay.
I don’t read who-dunnits because I don’t care who dunnit, but this brilliant novel had me from the first tic. Told from the POV of a Brooklyn kid with Tourette’s who has an uncanny ability to see what others can’t. It’s an innovative language caper and that’s what kept me turning the pages.
Did not care for this book
Not your typical detective story, when the detective in question is a young man with Tourette’s. Lethem is a colorful, creative writer, and this is my favorite of his books. Grounded, complex, compelling.
I loved the book,but the movie is the way better
One of the benchmarks of good storytelling is consistency across genres, much as it is with acting or other creative career paths. Lethem proves his ability while throwing in a unique character whose Touret tics in many cases are hysterical, yet highly appropriate. Driven by a theme focused on friendship and honor, we follow Lionel from his high …
“Motherless Brooklyn” by Lethem, is the first person narrative by Lionel Essrog residing in St. Vincent’s Home for Boys, struggling with Tourette’s syndrome, and growing up motherless in Brooklyn. His narrative, complete with Tourette’s ticks and exclamations, is witty, entertaining, and poetic. Essrog opens by describing the tragic turning point …
Interesting for a while. I lost interest fairly quickly and had to begin forcing myself to read it. Eventually stopped reading about halfway through.
Everything you expect from Jonathan Lethem. Now that it has been made into a movie, I would highly suggest reading the book before you see the movie…then go see the movie. The trailers I have seen look great, but getting to understand the characters and plot development should be done from the book. No movie, no matter how well done can include …
This ia a great book. I had a bit of a hard time getting into it, but after about 5 pages, I was hooked. It’s the age old gangster/mafia story with several twists, the biggest being Tourrette
Syndrome. The author brilliantly takes you into the main character’s mind and the dialogue is witty, fascinating and original. The story is not predictable …
difficult to read
Fascinating and really well written. Very interesting protagonist. Going ‘inside the head’ of someone with Tourette’s and OCD, described beautifully and with no self-pity was amazing.
I did not care for this book