Bram, we are told, has written eight novels, among his best being those dealing with theater and the performing arts. His novel, Father of Frankenstein, became the award-winning movie Gods and Monsters. A common precept hammered into every young writer’s psyche is “write what you know”. Bram has certainly done that, and done it admirably well. In addition to novels, he has also written book reviews…it is no wonder that everything about this book rings resoundingly of truth…and reality. He has re-created characters that I’d recognize at once in New York City, but more that that, he has created a genuine NYC ambiance.
The book narrates the lives and loves of a group of NYC actors, directors, producers, agents, along with a second-string play reviewer for The New York Times. Most present and former New Yorkers tremble at the very thought…for it is true that a Times review of any artistic endeavors efforts (but especially plays) will make or break a play. Bram’s character, Kenneth Prager is a writer/reviewer for the Times. He is wonderfully drawn, an uptight guy in his personal life whose ambivalence about his occupational role is causing him enough distress that he’s chosen to seek therapeutic guidance. The interaction between theater critic and therapist is only a small part of the complex storyline. That relationship starts off the novel and is meticulously crafted and amusingly “real”. Prager is a secondary character, but one I found easy to identify with.
The storyline is interesting for its play-line, or maybe movie script-like feel. The convoluted interactions with the several primary characters calls to mind the Shakespearian comedies like A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream. Bram’s characters whine, obsess, ruminate, strive, and wonder about each other. They occasionally even talk to each other with varying degrees of honesty. They also have significant misunderstandings.
The plot line is arguably predictable, and, given the author’s apparent ability to turn his novels into screenplays, seems ready made for re-writing for the big screen.
It is the characters which make the novel. They are all well drawn, but like many recent novels, somewhat simple.
Did I like the novel? Yes.
Would I recommend it? No.
There are too many really good books out there for those of us with limited time.