Title: & Sons
Author: David Gilbert
First published July 23, 2013
434 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780812993967 (ISBN10: 0812993969)
Rating: 3.36
Overview
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup, by John Carreyrou, chronicles the rise and fall of the multibillion-dollar startup, Theranos. Led by founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes, the company was once valued at $9 billion and promised to revolutionize the medical industry with a machine that would make blood tests faster and easier.
However, the technology didn’t work, and for years, Holmes misled investors, FDA officials, and her own employees. Carreyrou, a prize-winning journalist, pursued the story despite facing pressure and threats from Holmes and her lawyers.
In this cautionary tale, set amid the gold-rush frenzy of Silicon Valley, Carreyrou reveals the truth about the biggest corporate fraud since Enron.
About the Author
Meet David Gilbert, a talented writer known for his captivating story collection Remote Feed and the critically acclaimed novel The Normals. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, Harper’s, GQ, and Bomb.
When he’s not busy crafting gripping narratives, David enjoys spending time with his loving family in their New York home.
Editoral Review
In the world of contemporary fiction, David Gilberts book & Sons is one that stands out with its unique style, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Gilbert is an accomplished author and his 2013 novel is one of the most talked-about books of the decade.
This work of literary fiction is a testament to Gilbert’s mastery of the craft, and its nuanced portrayal of the complexities of human relationships and the challenges they face is a testament to his talent. The book takes place in New York and tells the story of the iconic novelist, A.N. Dyer, and his complicated relationships with his three sons.
Gilbert uses a unique narrative style that weaves together different voices, perspectives, and timelines to create a vivid portrait of family dynamics, fame, and legacy. The novel is both a portrait of a dysfunctional family and a meditation on the nature of art and creativity.
It offers an intimate and moving exploration of the human condition. The complex characters are masterfully crafted and the reader cannot help but become emotionally invested in their stories.
Central to the story are the patriarch, A.N. Dyer, and his sons; Richard, Jamie, and Andy. Each of these characters has their own struggles and dynamics with one another that are explored with unflinching honesty.
Other characters like Charlie Topping, the protagonist’s best friend, and Owen, a troubled teenage friend of one of the sons, are also richly crafted with intricate backstories that add depth to the novel. Gilbert expertly weaves literary allusions and references, offering insights into the art and craft of writing.
He also incorporates themes on family and fatherhood, truth and deception, aging and legacy, and even addresses the concept of identity and mortality. These themes are relevant to readers today as the novel explores universal human experiences.
The pacing of the novel is impeccable, and Gilbert captures the readers attention from the very first page. The story is engaging and every detail has a purpose, making it difficult to put down.
The novel’s structure is complex, with alternating points of view and timelines, but Gilbert’s writing is so fluid and seamless that the reader can easily follow along. The author’s writing style is remarkable, poetic, and witty.
He masterfully captures the distinct voices of each character and immerses the reader in the narrative. His descriptions of people and places are vivid, and the dialogue is both realistic and engaging.
& Sons is a work of literary fiction that stands out in the genre. It delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, exploring the intricacies and subtleties of family dynamics, fame, and identity.
The novel is a masterful portrayal of the human condition that compels readers to reflect on their own experiences. There are no flaws in this novel, and any limitations are subjective, meaning they depend on the reader’s perception.
However, some readers may find the complexity of the structure and the switching of perspectives a bit overwhelming, but these are minor issues that do not detract from the overall experience. I highly recommend & Sons to anyone who enjoys a well-written family drama with captivating characters, insightful themes, and a skillfully crafted narrative.
This is a must-read for fans of literary fiction, and David Gilbert is an author to watch. I give this book a solid five-star rating, as it delivers a literary experience that is hard to forget.
