![]() ![]() ![]() But I think the key to my surprise at Manhattan Beach-which quickly shaded into pure enjoyment-is the straightforward quality of its narrative. ![]() Or the fact that seven years in today’s publishing culture is a significant length of time. One answer would certainly be the built-up anticipation for Egan’s next work in the wake of Goon Squad’s big-time awards (Pulitzer, National Book Critics Circle) and dizzying praise from critics. So as a long time Joni Mitchell acolyte, why was I briefly disconcerted by the richly enchanting Manhattan Beach, Jennifer Egan’s first novel since 2010’s A Visit from the Goon Squad? As Joni Mitchell famously pointed out, “No one ever said to Van Gogh, ‘Paint The Starry Night again, man!’ You know? He painted it, and that was it.” Here, the legendary shape-shifting musician was calling out critics and fans who expect more of the same from artists they admire. ![]()
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