A review by snoakes7001
With a Zero at its Heart by Charles Lambert

5.0

By imposing artificial constraints on himself, Charles Lambert has produced a beautiful piece of work. Bearing as much in common with poetry as with a conventional novel, each chapter is themed and comprises a series of vignettes from the life of a man from boyhood to the death of his parents. It builds up gradually to become a complete portrait of a life lived. I can only assume that it is at least semi-autobiographical as in places it is so intimate. The writing is sparse and delicate and the whole thing could easily be devoured in one sitting, but I found it more effective (and affecting) to read a couple of chapters at a time. Lovely stuff.