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Motherless Brooklyn
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Motherless Brooklyn
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE, MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN IS RELEASED IN CINEMAS NOVEMBER 2019
Lionel Essrog, a.k.a. Local tough guy Frank Minna hires the adolescent Lionel and three other orphans from St Vincent's Home for Boys and grooms them to become the Minna Men, a fly-by-night detective-agency-cum-limoservice.
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Description
In Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem, readers are introduced to Lionel Essrog, a private detective unlike any other. Nicknamed "the Human Freakshow," Lionel suffers from Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder that forces him to shout out nonsense, touch every surface within reach, and compulsively rearrange objects. Despite these challenges, Lionel's unique perspective and unorthodox approach to life captivate from the very first page.
Local tough guy Frank Minna sees potential in Lionel and three other orphans from St Vincent's Home for Boys, recruiting them to work for his makeshift detective agency and limousine service, aptly named the Minna Men. Under Frank's unorthodox mentorship, Lionel and his cohorts learn the ins and outs of their strange trade. However, tragedy strikes when Frank is brutally murdered, thrusting Lionel into the spotlight. With his mentor gone, Lionel must step up, utilizing his peculiar skills to uncover the truth behind Frank's death and navigate the dark underbelly of Brooklyn.
Jonathan Lethem delivers a masterful narrative, infusing the plot with crackling dialogue and a vivid sense of place. The textured and often chaotic streets of Brooklyn serve as a perfect backdrop for this intricately woven tale. The storyline itself mirrors the unpredictability of Tourette's, constantly surprising and engaging the reader with its fresh and shocking twists.
Motherless Brooklyn is more than just a mystery novel; it's a bravura performance that combines elements of humour, tension, and poignant emotion. Lethem's portrayal of Lionel Essrog is both extravagant and deeply touching, making for an unforgettable reading experience. This compelling narrative is bound to resonate with readers long after they've turned the last page, cementing Lethem's place as a master storyteller.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780571226320
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 July 2004
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Faber & Faber
Edition: Main
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 20.0mm
Width: 125.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 320
About the Author
Jonathan Lethem was born in New York and attended Bennington College. He is the author of the novels Gun, with Occasional Music, Amnesia Moon, As She Climbed Across the Table, Girl in Landscape and Motherless Brooklyn, as well as a collection of stories, The Wall of the Sky, the Wall of the Eye. Film rights for Amnesia Moon have been bought by David Lynch, whilst Edward Norton has bought the rights for Motherless Brooklyn. Lethem was described by Newsweek as one of its '100 People for the New Century'. Jonathan Lethem currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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