The Year of Endless Sorrows (A Novel) by Adam Rapp
I really enjoyed reading this book. Rapp is a beautiful writer, and I found myself copying down many passages for future perusal. I also found myself wishing I could be as eloquent in my writing (and in my thoughts about New York City) as he is.
I laughed out loud quite a bit reading this book, but I often felt like crying, too. This book follows Opie (also nicknamed Homon), whose real name we never learn - which, in and of itself, makes me feel sad. I suppose it’s not unusual to not know a protagonist’s name, but here it is intentional, as Rapp has Opie/Homon meet people throughout this novel, and while we see the interaction, Opie/Homon usually tells us that he gave his name, or introduced himself. We see the other conversationalist’s portion of the dialogue, but not Opie/Homon’s. Read into that what you will.
Opie/Homon has moved from the midwest to New York City, and works at a big publishing company. He lives with some crazy roommates, dates some crazy women, and interacts with a lot of crazy people in general. His observations of New York City and some of its truths (okay, perceived truths, as they just happened to be things I agreed with) made me feel as if Rapp had predicted my experience here in some ways (I wish I’d read this before I arrived in the big city!).
This book may not be for everyone, but I will hold it near and dear as a book that echoes feelings of my time in New York thus far.
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