42

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Average customer rating 3.8 (6 comments)

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A strange, humorous, and at-times maddening work of fiction, “42” is a unique read. The story of George and his descent into delusion as he pursues the wife and daughter who left him is gripping and surreal. I heard the author wrote the original manuscript during National Novel Writing Month, which is an impressive feat in itself. It adds to the reading of the book: as events get more frantic and chaotic for George and the tension builds, you can almost picture the author pounding furiously away at his keyboard as the month runs out. The storyline and the circumstances of writing it mirror each other. The design of the book itself also adds to the sense of paranoia that permeates it. What do the small squares in the margins mean, with their varying amount and coloring? Are they clues to upcoming events in the story, a code that we should be cracking while George pursues his own code involving the number 42? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a dark and twisted tale.

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This novel is stylistically unique and although challenging at times to follow, is worth the effort that it takes to end up at the surprising and compelling conclusion. In writing 42, M. Thomas Cooper has embarked on a journey of mystery and puzzling challenges which are sometimes strange, but seemingly believable. George Olson, the main character, leads an ordinary life with his wife and daughter, until they both disappear. After this unexplained occurrence, he has inexplicable experiences at work, and then ultimately has to face accusations of murder and arson. Cooper weaves a tale that seems impossible to resolve, but George is able to confront the confusing path his life is taken while seeking for meaning in the number forty-two. One of the most engaging aspects of Cooper’s writing is in his ability to craft dizzying imagery. Readers are able to seamlessly entering George’s life through Cooper’s descriptive language that encapsulates George’s reality. The painstaking nature of his existence creates an anxious tone that invests readers in Cooper’s universe. Another major strength of the novel is George’s role as a likeable protagonist. His decisions are notably poor in the aftermath of his family’s disappearance, but George remains an empathetic character. His seemingly delusional state is sometimes understandable, especially when he becomes preoccupied with the number forty-two. Cooper retains a sense of authenticity in George; as his behavior becomes stranger, he could have easily become more alienating. But Cooper offers the support of secondary characters, notably George’s secretary Anne, to try and keep George grounded in the face of his mysterious circumstances. The design of this novel makes it a treat to read. The designers have made stylistic choices that are engaging, and represent the state of George’s mind as he tries to decipher the meaning of his missing wife and child. The pages are riddled with the depictions of the sticky notes that George constantly writes on. In some ways, the book itself seems like a hand-edited memoir that in which George makes certain words fade or a certain name consistently blacked out from view. This multi-faceted reading experience is representative of the complexity of George’s own circumstances. Throughout the text, there is disjointedness in plot that is sometimes distracting. The pacing is very fast, and although that results in compelling plot delineation, George’s mindset is at times confusing. Some of the pacing moves almost too quickly to actually comprehend the meaning of George’s experience, as seen especially when he accidently hits his mother in law with his car. This type of absurdity calls for more attention to this scene, but George aimlessly passes by this incident as nonchalantly as he treats much of the mysteries of his life. Though this can sometimes lead to confusing passages, the pacing itself is consistent and lends to the anxious tone that permeates the entire novel. The ending of 42 is the culmination of Cooper’s fascinating, if at times unsettling, novel which outlines George’s descent into delusion. George travels internationally to follow the message of forty-two and hopes to finally discover the cause of his misfortunate. Cooper’s conclusion is striking, and propels George into an elevated state of awareness as he strives for the meaning of his recent experiences. Ultimately, 42 is a complex artistic endeavor that is truly a compelling read to undertake.

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A very different book about a man who loses his family and slips into paranoia from trying to look for them and not being able to stand up to his own fears. In the end, 42 is the answer to everything. I recommend this book if you're looking for something different and are interested in the psychological development of characters.

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This novel is at least a "4." Very well written, thought provoking, mysterious, and frustrating at times. A thinking person's read...If you like pondering questions, or like to figure things out, here is a challenge. This book made me laugh, think, wonder, & question--What is essential in our life? What is reality? Will we ever learn the answers we seek? I could hardly put this book down--even through parts that frustrated me, the writing carries you through. A curious adventure, for sure.

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One of my best friends Jacob is related to him and has told me he is a very brilliant writer.

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42's intelligent [at times frantic] prose makes for an easy and interesting read. Questioning your trust of the character at the helm of narration adds to the wealth of the read as well. Plus it is always good to support Portland writers.