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Stone Arabia (2011)

by Dana Spiotta(Favorite Author)

3.55 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1451617968 (ISBN13: 9781451617962)

languge

English

genre

Fiction

publisher

Scribner

review 1: This book tells the story of Denise, a forty-something divorced woman, and her older brother Nik, a musician and artist. Denise takes care of her mother, whose memory is declining. She also watches out for her brother, who hasn't really made much money, but who has put out a string of albums, most of which are heard only by close family and friends. He records every nuance of his life as a musician in The Chronicles, a series of books that detail every move in his career, some of it fake. For example, there are fake record reviews that Nik has written included in the books. There are many themes in the novel including relationships with family, memories, our reactions to world events and the meaning of art. It begs the question whether one is an artist if the art is not... more shared with the world. This novel doesn't answer many of its questions. It does, however, get you thinking about these issues. The structure of the book is as unconventional as its characters. I came to care about the people in the book, but did not really understand them. I found this frustrating; but, at the same time I found it impossible to put down. I wanted to see where the story went and if there was any resolution for Denise and Nik.
review 2: Nick Worth is a fascinating character study. He prolifically writes, creates, performs - for himself, for his own memories. Told from the point of view of Denise, Nick's younger sister we learn about Nick in a nonlinear, troubled narrative. We learn about his failures, his lovers, his life and his successes, mostly internal. Ada, Denise's daughter provides the transition from chronicle to documentary, from aspiration to legitimacy. All of this book delves into what makes Nick who he is. However, there is no plot. Nick Worth is a character study and Stone Arabia is a vehicle and the entire exercise is a study, but there is no plot. I need a plot or I'm just looking at a photo on a wall without context or purpose. less

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