Tinkers

I'm always looking forward to the break between semesters. Winter break is hard because it is so short (though I think that's also a positive. I'm a geek and I love school). It also gives me an opportunity to read something of my own choosing. I decided to start reading Pulitzer of Fiction winners to broaden my influence.

Book number one: Tinkers by Paul Harding.

The story jumps between two narrators. Father and son, both narrators gives separate views of the same relationships and situations. Not only does the story jump between narrators, it jumps between different time periods.

The real standout aspect of this novel is the style with which Harding describes the relationships, settings, and mechanics of clockwork. Harding is an incredibly visual writer. The picture that is painted in the reader's mind, along with the feeling that accompanies it, is truly remarkable.

Because Tinkers is Harding's first novel, many critics have pointed out flaws with the plot. I agree that there were some loose ends that seemed not to be tied up at the end. The style that defines Tinkers is what will carry Harding through his career as a novelist. With more resources and more editors (which Harding is likely to invest in after winning that little thing they call a Pulitzer) many of those loose ends that he may have missed will be easily found and tied up.

I really enjoyed Tinkers. I like being able to see what I'm reading in my head. I like to feeling what I'm reading in my heart. For this reason, the next book on my list is... (drum roll please)... Angle of Repose by the great Wallace Stegner.