Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Jazz historian Martin Williams has written that Louis Armstrong's genius lay in being able to transform the ordinary. Some of his most inspired recorded solos seem to float and soar above the less-than-memorable songs on which they're based. Anne Tyler's 11th novel is another triumph of talent and inspiration over material—up to a point. But Armstrong's solos last only a few minutes. Ms. Tyler's chronicle of an essentially dreary, disheartening day in the lives of some good-hearted but drab middle-class Baltimoreans lasts considerably longer. Her magic still works—Breathing Lessons is frequently funny and touching, and the sharp reality of her characters is never in question; but for one Tyler admirer at least, total, loyal interest in them began, at last, to waver and wane. Ms. Tyler has produced a wonderful body of work. Luckily we have so many more nourishing earlier novels to turn or re-turn to and can confidently await her 12th." Reviewed by Daniel Weiss, Virginia Quarterly Review (Copyright 2006 Virginia Quarterly Review)