I have mixed feelings about this book; the descriptions in the novel, of places, art, personalities, etc were compelling. I felt, like Lucy, like a newcomer, frightened, thrilled and in awe of the portrayal of the city. The mood and tone were perfectly conveyed, this author
…more can write! On the other hand, the actual characters did not feel fully realized. The novel introduces us to characters, telling (vs showing) us that they are handsome, gawky, breathtakingly beautiful etc, but often she gives us the behavior way before the explanation. Why does a man-whore fall head over heels in love with THIS woman, I did not see what made her so special, so irresistible, until some tiny hints were dropped much later in the novel. Some events were so "coincidental" as to be unbelievable (how Lucy finds an apartment etc).
We meet interesting characters who drop out of the story and I found that frustrating.
It took me a while to get into this book, I never felt that I couldn't put it down, but it was still interesting as it brought me into the art world in NYC in the 1980s, an era I am a bit obsessed with. I see a lot of potential here, just wish the editor had addressed some issues.
Still well worth reading! (less)
