A review by introvertsbookclub
The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor

dark emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

I think Brandon Taylor’s writing is exceptional, so I’m disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did Real Life. There were lots of moments that I loved but altogether the novel felt lacking. In the absence of plot, it needed more substance or an overarching purpose to hold it together, but for me it didn’t deliver. The characters, their voices, the pacing, everything felt repetitive and lacklustre. Each chapter was an intriguing insight into an academic town and the graduates about to leave it, but it didn’t provide a new perspective or enough variety to keep me engaged. I am definitely in a bit of a reading funk which might explain my reading experience, but this novel was very depressing.
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