Reviews Literature / Atlanta Nights

A poignant tale of heartbreak and betrayal

I don't think any other book has ever quite captured what life is actually like. Atlanta Nights is a book about the rich and famous of Atlanta, but it speaks to all of us, all around the world. So what makes this book so good? First, I would like to point to the characters. They are so vibrant and lifelike that I almost found myself looking these people up in the Atlanta phonebook. Bruce Lucent, Callie Archer, Steven Suffern and all the others will live in my heart forever. The book contains Loads And Loads Of Characters, but keeping track of them is never a chore as they are all so compelling - and don't worry, the author takes enough time to let us get to know them all. Then there's the storyline. I don't want to give too much away, but from the beginning, when Bruce wakes up in the hospital to the very end, the book is rife with tension and mystery. Along the way, the author tackles heavy themes like death and sexuality, but with a deft touch that will never have you feel manipulated.

As if this isn't enough, the author takes on a number of literary experiments as well. Thus, portions of the novel are written in Anachronic Order - but this is never distracting. On the contrary, the flashbacks illuminate events in the present, so that reading the book a second time, when you really know what's going on, is a whole different experience. And you will want to read the book a second time. Also, special notice should go to chapter 34 - one of the boldest literary experiments I have ever read, but it is pulled off exceptionally well.

Any downsides? Well, I would have liked to know more about Henry Archer, he seems very intruiging. His status as a Posthumous Character means that we get to see very little of him. But then again, I don't know if I would have been able to handle that much awesomeness in one book.

Take my advice and check out this book. It is one of the very best pieces of literature you will ever read.