A review by earlyandalone
Speedboat by Renata Adler

4.0

I would say this book, for me, was more like 3 1/2 stars. I read this in a very short time, mostly on a bus from Providence to New York. In that time, I felt like the narrator was speaking to me, was telling me stories about her life. And I liked that aspect of it, very much.

But even though I tend to shy away from plot-driven stories, I found the lack of plot here jarring and disorienting. I appreciated the fragmentary structure of the novel--I think it's innovative and smart and thought-provoking. But it didn't work for me, it didn't make me think especially deep thoughts or want to revel in the words.

Maybe I'm more disappointed because I've been looking forward to reading this for so long, but there you are.