MixedFull StopTold from a multitude of perspectives, the novel seems to be an attempt to depict every possible response of those affected by the attacks ... Waldman’s book is rich with potential, but it often seems as though she has too much material and isn’t sure what to with it. The controversy over the art and architecture of memorials...comes up occasionally, but is never fully developed. And though much time is spent describing the seemingly simple winning memorial design, it never really feels alive or as meaningful as the jury finds it. The same can be said about Waldman’s characters. While they each have an intricate and calculated back-story, they are there solely to serve some end goal. They each seem to be a caricature of a certain type of person in the post-9/11 landscape ... The novel mimics the characters’ lack of desire to develop a deeper understanding of Muslims, and instead remains cursory in its dealings with the subject ... Ultimately, Waldman’s novel is thought provoking in its premise but disappointing in its execution. While enjoyable to read, it offers no real substance beyond its idea, and the idea of the book, like the idea behind Mo’s design, while noble, is never properly executed.
Helen Oyeyemi
PositiveSlate\"Oyeyemi isn’t just pulling the rug out from under our feet, playing with our assumptions about how people look—she’s holding a mirror up to our memories of fairy tales and of history. Just as we so desperately want to trust mirrors even though we shouldn’t, perhaps we shouldn’t trust her, no matter how convincing she can be ... It’s not just Boy, Snow, and Bird who, in some way, discover themselves by doubting their mirrors. In the end, one of the novel’s biggest transformations takes place as a result of coming face-to-face with one’s reflection ... stunning and enchanting...\
