BookBrowse Reviews Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet

BookBrowse:

A man moves to Phoenix to heal from heartache and rediscovers himself through his connections with other people.

Our First Impressions readers were charmed by Lydia Millet's novel Dinosaurs, with 20 out of 25 reviewers awarding the book four or five stars.

What the book is about:

In this gentle novel, Lydia Millet uses deceptively simple prose to explore the psychological intricacies of a wealthy, 45-year-old white man, uncomfortable with his privilege, who is trying to do good in the world (Eileen C). The main character, Gil, is looking for a new start and for purpose in his life, having no need to "make a living." Along the way he exemplifies his humanity in his daily life with his neighbors and others. He cares for the desert birds, the surviving dinosaurs, and we're asked to wonder if they can survive the changing world. Gil doesn't see violence as the answer to conflict, but rather, it's relationships that give us life and freedom (Lynn D).

Reviewers appreciated the novel's well-crafted, compelling characters, particularly the protagonist.

I was touched that the main characters, though flawed, are all trying to be decent, good people. I especially came to appreciate Gil, who recognizes, after many unlucky years, that he is incredibly grateful for the friends who become his surrogate family (Rosemary C). Gil's observational skills allow him to understand and be empathetic to humans and animals alike. Ultimately, he touches and changes (for the better) virtually every character in the book. The world needs more Gils! (Mary Ann S).

They also applauded Millet's stylistic choices.

Millet is a beautiful writer, with a calm and expansive style. She ties up some loose ends of the story, but not all, so that the reader will find it pleasing to contemplate what may happen to these characters down the road (Susan K). Gil is a rather quiet man, but very kind and big-hearted. The story is about relationships he forms with his new neighbors, and others. I ended up falling a little bit in love with Gil by the end of the book (Jennie R). This is a simple story — dryly funny, insightful and emotionally moving. I enjoy Millet's writing and would also recommend A Children's Bible and Mermaids in Paradise (Catharine L). The story, while rather simple, is rich with material to discuss and ponder. The allegory of the castle next to the glass house, the birds of the desert evolved from dinosaurs, friendships and life and death are all woven into this lovely story (Sharon J).

A few readers felt the book was somewhat lacking in its structure and characters…

I like a beginning, a plot, an ending, and some relatable characters. Dinosaurs is a beautifully written novel, but it is lacking these elements (Leslie R). If I have a criticism, it is that I was left feeling that the world I was experiencing as I read was not fully imagined but, rather, sketched in like a photographer's backdrop (Lorelei S). I read the book but could not find anything climatic to get involved (Ruth H).

...but others were entirely captivated by the writing.

This is an outstanding book and a short read that goes down so smoothly that you will easily finish it in one day (Susan K). I read this book in one sitting — that's how much it captivated me. Lydia Millet has created characters and a setting that are incredibly compelling (Rosemary C). I love this book so much I'd marry it if I weren't already married. As things stand, my rushed affair with Millet's novel left me feeling bereft when it was over. At about 230 pages, the book is slim and easy to gobble up in two sittings (Helia R).

Readers also deemed Dinosaurs a great choice for book clubs.

I highly recommend this book for book club discussions. This was the best book I've read this year. Moderately paced writing that describes daily life for the key characters yet consistently and deftly introduces new and timely discussion topics throughout (Judy G). This seemingly quiet novel is actually a powerful and moving exploration of ordinary human cruelty, all the different forms love can take, and the importance of human relationships. It would make an excellent book club selection (Eileen C).

This review was originally published in The BookBrowse Review in October 2022, and has been updated for the September 2023 edition. Click here to go to this issue.