RaveThe RumpusAll of the stories possess a strong woman’s voice, with a simmering quality: the narrator may be telling the story in a quiet, somewhat subdued way, yet the reader has the sense throughout that these women are ready to scream ... In this powerful debut, Lazarin has written her heart out chronicling the lives of recognizable girls and women as they come of age, find their footing and chart their path through life’s curves, on their own terms. She takes the reader into the crevices and corners of these women’s minds, where you can accompany them on their daydreams as they leave or enter relationships, or just generally try to figure it all out. Their voices stay with you long after the final story.
Emma Rathbone
RaveThe RumpusRathbone writes with pinpointed accuracy the feelings of discontent and despair that can arise from feeling lost or stuck in life ... Rathbone imbues Julia with such warmth and humor, and writes her with such affection, you can’t help but root for the misguided character even when you want to shake her ... Losing It is a terrific and funny meditation on the deep pockets of discontent in life, growing up, and seizing the right opportunities for connection when you can.
Elizabeth McKenzie
PositiveThe RumpusAt 427 pages, the novel probably could have been trimmed. But as it builds to its satisfying conclusion it’s apparent that all the stories and plot twists are essential to the work. The Portable Veblen asks important questions about how to leave our childhoods behind and step into new families, while balancing the ones we were given, and how to embrace the imperfection of living.
Eve Babitz
RaveThe RumpusBabitz is like an elusive acquaintance who seems to have always left the room by the time you arrive, leaving you to chase after her. Her voice is charming, seductive and hard to pin down. I fell a bit in love with her.
