4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
More Bookish Thoughts..., Oct 4 2011
This review is from: The Perfect Order of Things (Hardcover)
"The Perfect Order of Things" has both a self-mocking and self-absorbed premise: the narrator, a composite version of all voices from Gilmour's previous books, decides to return to places where he has suffered in life "with [his] eyes open." He hopes to settle old scores, explore the roots of recurrent miseries and relearn early lessons. The ten chapters read like pilgrimages and, together, produce the fictional autobiography of a writer revisiting affairs, obsessions, triumphs, griefs and disappointments.
This courageous novel shows the extent to which an author yearns for recognition while believing himself an imposter. Its narrator confesses to jealousy, insecurity and egotism yet somehow comes across as endearing, even lovable, allowing the book to transcend self-absorption. Gilmour writes with finesse, irony and creative playfulness as he makes himself vulnerable by appraising his past work. And, though this book stands on its own, it invites rereadings of Gilmour's earlier novels (Lost Between Houses, Sparrow Nights, A Perfect Night to Go to China).
Despite its potential to turn into a narcissistic disaster at any page, "The Perfect Order of Things" remains intelligent, humourous and precisely observant throughout.
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