A review by jwinchell
Aquarium by David Vann

4.0

Dark and haunting, redemptive and encouraging--this novel, aquariums, and life in general. As a whole it makes a great case for the ultra extended metaphor, and I think Vann pulls it off with aplomb. I felt worried throughout, and unsure, and very wary of everyone--much as Caitlin did. I appreciated that it was also an extended flashback and that the moments of reflection were woven in authentically. The choice to take out punctuation for dialogue was perfect, then. It is also a beautiful physical book--heavy paper with sheen, color images of fish, and the first letter of each chapter larger and in color.