"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
In short, accelerating chapters Parkhurst alternates between Paul's strange and passionate efforts to get Lorelei to communicate and his heartfelt memories of his whirlwind relationship with Lexy. The first 100 pages or so bring to mind another noteworthy debut, Alice Sebold's brilliant exploration of grief, The Lovely Bones. Unfortunately, the second half of The Dogs of Babel takes too many odd twists and turns--everything from a Ms. Cleo-like TV psychic to an underground sect of abusive canine linguists--to ever allow the reader to feel any real sympathy for the main characters. Parkhurst's Paul Iverson can certainly be appealing at times, and his heartbreak is often quite palpable ("...for every dark moment we shared between us, there was a moment of such brightness I almost could not bear to look at it head-on."). But his mask-maker wife Lexy--Paul's driving inspiration--is a character whose spur-of-the-moment outbursts, spontaneous fits of anger, and supposedly charming sense of whimsy (on their first date, they drive from Virginia to Disney World, eating only appetizers and side dishes along the way), become so annoying and grating that it's hard to believe anyone could ever put up with her, let alone teach their dog to speak for her.
Despite its cloying tone, The Dogs of Babel marks a notable debut. Parkhurst possesses a wealth of inspired ideas, and no doubt many readers will respond to the book, but one hopes that the author's future efforts will be packed with richer character development and less schmaltz. --Gisele Toueg
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 4.97
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Audio Cassette. Condition: Good. 5 AUDIO CASSETTES tested for your satisfaction for a worthwhile set, in the original printed box. Some shelf wear to the box. The audio cassettes are in individual slots, sturdy and reliable. Enjoy this Audio Cassette performance. Audio Book. Seller Inventory # 399939991310029
Book Description Audio Cassettes. Condition: Good. 5 AUDIO CASSETTES, tested for your satisfaction for a worthwhile set, in the original printed box. Some shelf wear to the box. The audio cassettes are in individual slots, protected and clear sounding. Enjoy this worthwhile audio production. Audio Book. Seller Inventory # 333201211913307
Book Description AUDIO CASSETTE. Condition: Good. 5 AUDIO CASSETTES withdrawn from the library collection. We will test each cassette, prior to shipping, for a clear sound quality. You will receive a good set. Enjoy this RELIABLE Audio Cassette performance. Seller Inventory # 15SUMMER0000408
Book Description Condition: Good. SHIPS FROM USA. Used books have different signs of use and do not include supplemental materials such as CDs, Dvds, Access Codes, charts or any other extra material. All used books might have various degrees of writing, highliting and wear and tear and possibly be an ex-library with the usual stickers and stamps. Dust Jackets are not guaranteed and when still present, they will have various degrees of tear and damage. All images are Stock Photos, not of the actual item. book. Seller Inventory # 32-1586215108-G