PositiveGeek Vibes NationAt times, it’s a bit meandering. The pacing is all over the place, and there’s often a lack of urgency. But at its heart, it’s an emotional, thought-provoking reflection on the fragility of memory and the importance of trying to do the right thing ... as a piece of fiction meant to stand on its own, it ends up being all build-up with no payoff ... When viewed as a fictional memoir, the novel largely succeeds at everything it’s trying to do. Cranor and Matthewson paint a deliciously nuanced, complicated picture of Dr. Gregory, exploring all of her positives and negatives equally. And much of the insight that comes from her reflection on her past...is both haunting and beautifully realized. But on the other hand, when viewed as the quasi-political thriller it seems to want to be, the novel doesn’t stick the landing and fails to pay off much of what it’s set up. Still, it’s a deeply enjoyable, unique read ... It’s not perfect, and it doesn’t entirely work, but I still enjoyed it a lot.
