A review by jessferg
A Gay and Melancholy Sound, by Merle Miller

3.0

I don't know what to think of this one. I mean, I liked it but I can't say I've read a true "memoir as novel" before (or maybe it was novel as memoir?) A rather depressing read - very self-depreciating and bitter - but still compelling, particularly for the socio-historical aspect (is that a thing?). The ending is quite dramatic - as the life-long literate narrator deteriorates, it becomes difficult to decipher what is going on and it becomes increasingly disturbing. Not necessarily a fitting end but one that is understandable. Def a book that deserves to be read and discussed.