Schtick

Take a bunch of current literary mannerisms, add a good portion of sitcom talent, a more modest portion of literary talent, and a modicum of ambition and ego: you get Maria Semple’s ‘Where’d You Go,Bernadette?’  It’s quick, funny, witty, and ultimately a bit disappointing.  But it’s a fast read and well worth a few hours of relaxed time.  Take it to the beach, or to that place where you need an escape from more serious matters.  There are very, very funny paragraphs.  Stand-ups will drool in envy over the laughs-out-loud from some passages.

But enduring literature?  I think not.  The clock gets wound very tight in interesting ways.  The first two-thirds of the book bubble along promisingly.  The last third tries to deliver, but isn't quite up to the task.  It’s a lot easier to get those lovers into the grandfather clocks (an opera reference) than it is to get them out in a convincing and satisfying way.

I’m not sure that we need worry about the particulars here.  She’s talented, but don’t expect a consistently satisfying experience. 

Have ya heard the one about the . . .