I found this 102 page novelette very insightful and the personality traits of the characters a good study of intellectual minded people in a relationship. Writing style so full of irony is like a fresh breeze but slightly in the stream of consciousness mode that otherwise become tiresome to read but not in her case though. Maybe the dialogues save it. The end seemed disjointed. The walk with two old men seems irrelevant to the storyline. seems like a short skit has been inserted just for the sake of the title. ( )

I was hoping this book would've been better than it was, but still a smart, quick read. Finished it in one sitting. ( )

When Jim saw the title of this novella, he asked if it was my 'Indian name'. Ha. A quick, perplexing read, during which I felt both grateful and rueful that I wasn't as reckless, innocent, easily manipulated and emotionless as the main character, a young woman who comes to New York in 1980 and ends up Svengali'd by an obvious, pompous cad. But then, I'm not 22 anymore.

Her authorial distance is so far away, one remains at a distinct remove. Still, I read it twice, liked it better the second time. Really enjoyed this novella edition and its length. Oh, and these lines:

"Italics provide a wonderful advantage: you see, right away, that the words are in a rush. When something exists at a slant, you can't help but consider irony." ( )

I'm surprised that this novella has been getting bad reviews. I thought the writing was beautiful. If there is something readers aren't liking, I'm sure it's the characters. It's true, they aren't likable. But they also seem very real, and that's why I liked them. ( )