Quinn's Book Book

This is the first William Kennedy novel I have read in my adult life. It's labeled as 4th in the Albany Cycle series, but from what I understand the connection to the series is in location, rather than characters and storyline. Please don't let it stop you from reading it as a stand-alone novel. I did and I enjoyed it very much. William Kennedy is an exceptional writer.

This book is exactly what it purports to be - It is Daniel Quinn's story. It's been a little while since I've read such a character-driven story. I've read so many binge-worthy, race-to-the-finish novels lately that it was nice to slow down the pace a bit and just get lost in another world. This is a book to be savored, not devoured. The plot is, in my opinion, secondary to the characters. It begins at what becomes a life-changing moment for 12-year old orphan, Daniel Quinn. He, working alongside his boss (and most vulgar character in the story) John the Brawn, rescues Maud Fallon from drowning in icy waters in 1849 and immediately falls in love with her. It's not only his affection for her that shapes his life, but the series of events and people that he meets in the immediate aftermath that shape his story. It is in 1849 when he begins to see his path, although often he's stumbled through life a bit first before realizing the path he's on.

At times I was in love with this story and couldn't wait to get back to it. Unfortunately I began to fall out of love. Book 1 begins in 1849, book 2 in 1864. Book 2 is when I became less enamored. It went on longer than I felt it needed to, and sometimes in painstaking situational details that seemed unnecessary to the advancement of the story. Despite that bit of fatigue towards the end, I thought it was a wonderful read. As other reviewers have mentioned, there is a bit of magical realism involved. It was unexpected, but expertly placed to make me sit up and say, 'wait, what?' and generally followed by humorous moments. I rather enjoyed that. One more note that folks may want to know: This is definitely not a book for young readers, or anyone sensitive to violence or vulgarity. There are moments of adult content, violence, and ethnic stereotypes, as one might expect from a Civil War Era setting. I'd say it's not a bookfor everyone, but if you're open to it, it's worth a read.

This title was originally released in 1988 and re-released as an ebook in January, 2017. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy for review.