The Unnamed
Joshua Ferris
January 2010
320 pages
I read this book because Rebecca of The Book Lady’s Blog compared it to Waiting for Columbus, and we all know how much Rebecca and I loved that book. And if you don’t know, go read Rebecca’s review. And then mine. And then go read the book!
So at first, I was like, Rebecca has let me down! I didn’t care for the book at first. Mainly because I couldn’t stand the main character. I thought he was a self-absorbed prick. Not that I have to like my main character, but when you’re trying to live up to Waiting for Columbus, being a self-absorbed prick doesn’t help your case.
But I kept reading (mainly because it was on my nook (psst, FTC, did you see that…I bought it for my nook), which makes for a kick-ass reading experience, in case you were wondering) and before I knew it I was crying. Crying! And before that, there were a few grimaces, particularly over this one particular scene involving a baby toe.
So you’re probably wondering what this book is even about. I can hear you over there muttering “get to the point!” In a nutshell, it’s about mental illness. Tim is compelled to walk. Not all the time, but the compulsion comes upon him for months at a time, and then subsides for years. Tim is convinced it’s physical, but the doctors cannot find a reason. As the years pass, Tim and his wife find different ways to cope, deal with and come to terms with his walking.
The second half of this book is incredibly powerful, for reasons I can’t really disclose, because then it wouldn’t be as powerful for you if you decide to read it. But the meaning of family comes into play, and it’s an interesting look into how people deal with illness.
And how does it compare to Waiting for Columbus? Well, that’s a tough question. Despite its seriousness, I think Waiting for Columbus is a lighter book. While tragic, the character of Columbus is quirky, and there are moments of laughter. And I think the ending was an amazing work of revelation. The Unnamed was a darker book (as evidenced by the above-mentioned tears), as we journey with Tim through his illness. I think they are completely different reading experiences, primarily due to their distinct tones. Unfortunately for Columbus, The Unnamed is getting some major hype (deservedly, but still). So do Columbus a favor and give him a try, along with The Unnamed. Just keep a hankie handy.
Oh, I’m so glad I didn’t let you down in the long run! I agree with the comparison that this book is heavier and darker than Columbus —for me, the similarity lies in the narrative focus on a mysterious mental illness—and both are well worth reading.
.-= Rebecca @ The Book Lady’s Blog´s last blog ..Reminder: #fountainreads discussion of A RELIABLE WIFE tonight! =-.
I like the line “just keep a hanky handy” although one could also say “however have helpful hankies handy” or, alphabetically, “although beware: crying does ensue, frankly!”
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..Review of “The Adoration of Jenna Fox” by Mary E. Pearson =-.
Have you read Then We Came to the End? I couldn’t finish it. I just couldn’t read a book written in the third person plural. I keep seeing wonderful things about The Unnamed, but as I had such a disaster with his first book I am very unsure. I’m looking for someone who didn’t like his fisrt book, but loved this one, before I even think about getting it.
.-= Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..The Harlot’s Progress: Yorkshire Molly – Peter Mottley =-.
I hope to read this soon, so I’m glad to see everyone’s loving it. I’ll remember to have tissues nearby as I read. Since you’ve read this and enjoyed it, you should sign up for The Reagan Arthur Books Challenge. It’s a perpetual challenge, so there are no deadlines and no set number of books to read.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Our Life in France – banking, money and numbers =-.
Both are already on my list. I like books that make me cry.
.-= Jenners´s last blog ..Show Me 5 Saturday: "Black Out" by Lisa Unger =-.
I’ve been kind of leery of this one because I’ve read some not so good reviews on it, but you make it sound good. I’ll have to give it a little more thought, I think. I do want to read Waiting for Columbus very much, however. It’s been hard not to rush out and buy a copy every time someone mentions it.
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..Sunday Salon: What I Plan to Read Next =-.
I am planning on reading this. I read mixed reviews, but you have convinced me that I at least must give it a try.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Let the BLOB Game Begin! =-.
I haven’t decided yet if I will read this one. I am impressed that it was so moving that you were brought to tears–that hasn’t happened for me in awhile!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Sunday Salon Continued =-.
I was going to pitch this to my book club and then decided not to. It seemed a little “out there” and my club does not do well with out there but I will definitely read it on my own.
.-= Ti´s last blog ..Review: The Things That Keep Us Here =-.
I really loved Ferris’s first book, Then We Came to the End, but it seems to be one of those books you either love or hate! I guess the same seems to be true of this one too, only I have definitely heard more mixed things about this book (especially from people who loved TWCttE). I know I will read it in the end, but I’m nervous!
.-= Steph´s last blog ..“The Postmistress” by Sarah Blake =-.
I think the reason there are mixed reviews is because it’s such a mixed book. On the one hand, I thought it was well-written and really got into the emotional aspect. On the other hand, I wanted Ferris to look more at the practicality and at the disease itself. I also felt there could have been more depth to the characters. And a few other points that would take a while to explain.
Still, you’re right about the second half of the book: it’s quite different in tone from the first. I suspect each reader will find him/herself drawn to different aspects of each part, perhaps leading to many contradictory feelings…
Nice review! This is on my want-to-read list! Hopefully it won’t make me tear up too badly though.
.-= Joanne´s last blog ..TLC Book Tour ♦ The Cougar Club by Susan McBride =-.