Title: Saint Mazie
Author: Jami Attenberg
First published June 1, 2015
336 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781455599899 (ISBN10: 1455599891)
Rating: 3.65
Overview
Jami Attenberg’s Saint Mazie introduces us to a fierce and lively Mazie Phillips, the owner of The Venice, a popular movie theater in Jazz Age New York City. But behind her vivacious persona lies a childhood of poverty and secrets, all kept in her diary.
As the Great Depression hits and the Lower East Side becomes plagued with homelessness and addiction, Mazie opens the doors of her theater to help those in need, becoming a beacon of hope in her community. Over 90 years later, a documentarian discovers Mazie’s diary and begins to unravel the mysteries of her adventurous life.
With Attenberg’s signature wit and heart, Saint Mazie is a compelling and unforgettable tale of a woman who rises to “sainthood” through her indomitable spirit.
About the Author
Hello there! I’ve authored several books including Instant Love, The Kept Man, The Melting Season, The Middlesteins, Saint Mazie, All Grown Up, and All This Could Be Yours. My memoir, I Came All This Way To Meet You: Writing Myself Home, will be published on January 11, 2022.
Stay tuned for that! You can also find me on Twitter @jamiattenberg. I founded the #1000wordsofsummer annual writing project and have a newsletter called Craft Talk.
I hail from the Chicago area, lived in New York City for sixteen years, and am now happily residing in New Orleans.
Editoral Review
Saint Mazie by Jami Attenberg is a captivating novel that chronicles the life and legacy of Mazie Phillips, a real-life figure who lived in New York City during the first half of the twentieth century. Attenberg, an American author who is widely known for her acclaimed works such as The Middlesteins and All Grown Up, takes on a new challenge with Saint Mazie by crafting a compelling blend of fiction, biography, and oral history that captures the essence of the Great Depression and World War II era.
Set in the bustling streets of the Lower East Side and the Bowery, the novel follows Mazie as she navigates the challenges of poverty, disease, and social inequality, while tending to the needs of a diverse cast of characters who cross her path. Attenberg employs a unique structure by alternating between Mazie’s diaries, newspaper clips, and interviews with those who knew her, which adds dimension and depth to the story.
Among the notable characters in the novel are Mazie’s siblings, the tough-talking nuns, and the raucous regulars of the Venice Theater, where Mazie worked as a ticket seller. Yet, the most memorable one is Mazie, herself, whose personality is a captivating mixture of tenacity, empathy, and pragmatism.
Through her eyes, we witness the experience of immigrant families, vagrants, and soldiers from different backgrounds, as they grapple with loneliness, addiction, and the horrors of war.
Attenberg masterfully weaves historical facts and social commentary into the novel’s fabric, painting a vivid picture of New York City as it transformed from a bustling metropolis into a war-torn and segregated society.
She tackles themes such as class struggle, gender roles, and mental health, with sensitivity and nuance, capturing the complexity of human relationships and the search for meaning and purpose. One of the strengths of Saint Mazie is the quality of the writing, which is raw, emotional, and evocative.
Attenberg’s prose has a poetic quality to it, with a sharp wit and an ear for dialogue that makes the characters come alive. The pacing of the novel is also impressive, as the author shifts effortlessly between different time periods and perspectives, without losing the reader’s attention or sacrificing the authenticity of the narrative.
Another strength is the depth and complexity of the characters, who are portrayed with empathy and realism. Mazie, in particular, is a heroine for our times, a woman who defied societal norms and expectations, while remaining humble and compassionate.
The other characters, too, are fleshed out with care and attention to detail, allowing us to glimpse the quirks, flaws, and joys of their lives. Despite its strengths, Saint Mazie does have a few limitations that may affect the reader’s experience.
One of the main criticisms is that the structure of the novel can be confusing at times, especially for those who prefer a linear narrative. The use of different formats, such as diary entries and interviews, may also feel jarring for some readers.
Another limitation is that the novel’s conclusion feels somewhat rushed, leaving some loose ends unresolved, and some questions unanswered. Readers who expect a neat resolution may feel disappointed, as the novel leaves some room for interpretation and ambiguity.
Overall, Saint Mazie is a phenomenal read that showcases Attenberg’s talent as a storyteller and social commentator. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring power of compassion and redemption.
Readers who are interested in historical fiction, social justice, or coming-of-age stories will find much to admire in this novel. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the magic of storytelling at its best.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
