The mesmerizing New York Times bestseller by the author of Night FilmMarisha Pessl’s dazzling debut sparked raves from critics and heralded the arrival of a vibrant new voice in American fiction. At the center of Special Topics in Calamity Physics is clever, deadpan Blue van Meer, who has a head full of literary, philosophical, scientific, and cinematic knowledge. But she could use some friends. … knowledge. But she could use some friends. Upon entering the elite St. Gallway School, she finds some—a clique of eccentrics known as the Bluebloods. One drowning and one hanging later, Blue finds herself puzzling out a byzantine murder mystery. Nabokov meets Donna Tartt (then invites the rest of the Western Canon to the party) in this novel—with visual aids drawn by the author—that has won over readers of all ages.
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I really loved this book, particularly the voices of the characters–highly recommended for your summer reading list!
Marisha Pessl is one of the most gifted contemporary novelists I have ever had the pleasure to come across. Her début novel, Special Topics in Calamity Physics, at first may seem like any old story about private school teens. I assure you though, it is much more than that.
Blue van Meer is intriguing and smart and new to the St. Gallway School. Soon after her arrival she enters into a clique known as the Bluebloods, and from that moment on the story shoots off towards one singular outcome. Murder.
With wit and poise Pessl develops a remarkable world for her readers. These characters are rich and full, while the narrative itself is woven carefully and articulately. This is the novel you never knew you needed until you read it, and then you can’t imagine a world in which you hadn’t read it.
Pessl’s talent as a writer is beyond measure and while she only has two books out now, I eagerly await another from this incredible voice.
This book was brought to my attention by one of those IF YOU READ THIS THEN READ THIS…This book is written in the style of a school syllabus complete with numbered footnotes. While a unique writing style it took me some getting used to. I found it to be VERY descriptive and overall wordy. It was a chore to finish this book but once I start a book I cannot give up. I trudged through and ultimately am glad I persevered to finish. The story picks up about 3/4 of the way through with a unique twisting story line. All the dreg waded through in the first part of the book (which I was beginning to think was useless fluff) comes together nicely. It all ties together. A teenage girl whose mother had died lives with her professor Father. Life is constantly being uprooted as her father travels to various universities so he can teach classes on his specialty Calamity Physics. The protagonist is a very bright child enrolled in an exclusive school. A beloved teacher dies under mysterious circumstances and that sets events in motion for the rest of the book. I did not see then end coming by way of the twists and turns persented in the text.
Exceedingly clever and satisfying. A wonderful voice.
I hated the ending. Very witty writing, and I really liked the main character.
Billed as a mystery, but much more than that. The writing is unlike anything you may have experienced The characters are well drawn. And there’s a twist at the end that you’ll never anticipate. Much deserved NY
time’s notable book of the year selection
Have to admit, had a hard time following at first, but so glad I did! The characters were so interesting, and the plot quickened, then twisted and turned, going forward and back on itself, until I couldn’t put it down. I would say the ending was a surprise, but I saw it going that way, and felt pretty pleased with myself for figuring it out, although it still packed a punch. The author dares the reader to follow the sometimes complicated narration, but I do believe she succeeded in raising my IQ a point or two. Well done!