lifeserial:

When Jeffrey Eugenides’s latest book—his first since Middlesex in 2002—finally came out, I was in Amsterdam. I like buying new books overseas because even new releases come in paperback there. I don’t know why. Europeans get a spread of different book jacket designs, plus their pick of hard or softcover immediately. I’ve never understood. I prefer paperbacks, however; they travel well and they feel good in my hands. I bought The Marriage Plot.

I haven’t read many of the reviews about it. From friends online, I’ve seen some mixed reactions. Maybe hopes were too high? I was worried that someone would spoil something so I’ve mostly stayed away.

I’m about a third of the way through, and I’m enjoying it. Not much has happened, but Eugenides creates a dense worldview. It’s character study. I don’t mind. Also, it appears that great story, “Extreme Solitude,” featured in The New Yorker way back in June 2010, is lifted from the book.

Add this to the Christmas list!