"As She Climbed Across the Table" is a thought-provoking and imaginative novel penned by Jonathan Lethem. The book follows Philip, a professor of physics, who becomes infatuated with Alice, a black hole created during a scientific experiment. As their relationship unfolds, Philip becomes increasingly detached from reality, consumed by his love for Alice. Lethem's unique writing style combines humor and introspection, resulting in a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, desire, and the boundaries of science.
Lethem's characters are intricately crafted, with Philip being the standout. The author skillfully delves into the psychological aspects of love and desire, portraying a man unraveling under the weight of an unconventional attraction. While the idea of falling in love with a black hole may seem improbable, Lethem's storytelling prowess makes it believable and engaging.
The inclusion of physics as a backdrop adds depth to the story. Lethem seamlessly integrates scientific concepts into the plot, generating a thought-provoking exploration of the fine line between reality and fantasy. Despite dealing with complex ideas, the author's understanding of physics is apparent, yet he manages to present it in a manner that is accessible and not overwhelming.
Available on Audible
Lethem's writing style is a wonderful blend of humor and introspection, lending a unique charm to the novel. The wit and irony injected into the narrative keep it light-hearted, even as deeper philosophical questions are contemplated. The story flows smoothly, drawing the reader into the characters' journeys.
Overall, "As She Climbed Across the Table" is a captivating novel that seamlessly merges science fiction with complex characters and profound themes. Lethem's ability to explore the human condition and the boundaries of reality in a humorous and thought-provoking way makes this book essential reading for aficionados of both science fiction and literary fiction.
What are readers saying?
Jonathan Lethem's novel, "As She Climbed Across the Table," has garnered a range of responses from readers. The book delves into themes of love, obsession, and the intricacies of relationships.
Many readers praised Lethem's unique storytelling style and found the plot to be thought-provoking. They appreciated his exploration of the dynamics between characters and their emotional landscapes. Some also commended Lethem's ability to craft an imaginative and intriguing narrative that held their attention throughout the book.
However, not all readers were captivated by the story. Some found it confusing and difficult to follow, lacking coherence in the plot and underdeveloped, relatable characters. Additionally, the scientific aspects of the book were deemed too complex for some readers, which hindered their understanding of the underlying concepts.
Opinions on Lethem's writing style varied as well. Some readers enjoyed the author's use of language, describing it as lyrical and poetic. They appreciated his skill in painting vivid images with his words. However, others found the writing to be overly verbose and unnecessarily convoluted, making it difficult to fully immerse themselves in the story.
The pacing of the book also drew conflicting opinions. Some readers felt it was slow, lacking significant development, and predictable in its plot twists. Conversely, others appreciated the deliberate pace as it allowed for a deeper exploration of the book's themes and characters.
asSheClimbedAcrosstheTable bookworm sciencefiction