Status
Available
Publication
New York : Viking, 1988.
Description
Orphan Daniel Quinn's narration of his adventure-ridden quest for love and the meaning behind his destiny also portrays the dramatic history of nineteenth-century Albany.
User reviews
LibraryThing member MeditationesMartini
Any time your book contains the sentence, "But as the warmth of the day deepened, those wary Albany water rats (I include my master) were in agreement that the floes' growth in size and frequency, indeed the whole river's present nature, which was one of mild flood, argued that skiffs had no
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function on water such as this; all agreed, I say, except Carrick, the rotten Scottish hunchback of syphilitic mien, no longer welcome in the brothels of Albany, who had reached no such decision and was firm in his role as Albany's undauntable ferryman, ready to carry the urgent mail, the woeful news, or the intrepid passenger across the waters during storm or flood, and now the only soul at the pier willing to transport this plumed cargo to the far shore," on page TWO, then you've definitely earned my undying loyalty for at least the next 282 pages. Show Less
LibraryThing member Gertyz
William Kennedy is talented writer, there's no doubt about it. His use of language and observations on the human condition are masterful. He engages and elicits a wide range of reactions, from laughter and joy to horrified fascination. His weakness is sustaining a cohesive narrative across the epic
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landscape he creates. This is the second fiction work I've read (the first being The Flaming Corsage); the first two thirds of the book paced along nicely, immersing the reader in Quinn's world and a series of adventures reminiscent of Huckleberry Finn. But the last part (a flash forward to years later) made the book seem disjointed, as if a large section had somehow been lost in the editing process (or as if Kennedy got tired and felt the need to wrap things up quickly). Quinn enters the final stretch of the novel as a grown man, who has followed his own path into adulthood and maturity - quite a change from the googly eyed adolescent whose only dream was to chase and capture the heart of Maud Fallon. What changed Quinn along the way, as he worked as a reporter on Civil War battlefields, is what most intrigues me. It's as if the heart of the book is missing, and I was left feeling a bit "gypped" for having missed the best years of Quinn's life. There are also several points where the narrative inexplicably shifts from the first person to the third person, which is confusing rather than enlightening in some way. Despite its serious flaws, I was captivated by the book's artful language and broad palette of characters, reading most of it in one (long) sitting and savoring many delicious moments. I will continue to read Kennedy's work. Show Less
LibraryThing member krizia_lazaro
"Quinn's Book" reminds me of Isabelle Allende's "House of the Spirits". Kennedy uses magic realism in his novel but it was more historical, more realism than magic. Just the right amount of magic for me. It was full of unforgettable characters that you would definitely love and I bet not relate
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too. The summary at the back was not wrong in saying that this book has full of Darwinian characters. I love love Daniel Quinn and I love how his love for Maud evolves. This is definitely a great love story, fit for the big screen. My P10.00 was well worth it! Show Less
LibraryThing member kimkimkim
I received an electronic copy of this book and thank NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media.
William Kennedy's book about Daniel Quinn employs more words than I thought existed. I loved the words, I loved the characters and their travels, I loved the setting . The touch of mysticism, cynicism,
William Kennedy's book about Daniel Quinn employs more words than I thought existed. I loved the words, I loved the characters and their travels, I loved the setting . The touch of mysticism, cynicism,
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phantasmagoria, were all whipped cream on the top of a great story. What an adventure, what an interesting way to be introduced to Albany in 1849. There is no question that I will explore Kennedy's other books. Show Less