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Man Alive!: A Novel (2013)

by Mary Kay Zuravleff(Favorite Author)

3.55 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0374202311 (ISBN13: 9780374202316)

languge

English

genre

Fiction

publisher

Farrar, Straus and Giroux

review 1: Well-drawn characters come alive in this book, none more so than the father who survives a lightning strike and starts seeing his family and his patients in new, and not always welcome, ways. I thought the family was interesting, perhaps over-analytical. Lots of navel-gazing and angst but it rang true, especially for the college-aged twins. The family dynamics, especially those between the twins, were interesting. The idea that each family member fills a role (the pretty one, smart one, screw-up, mediator) is not new. The exploration of how those roles could be upended due to a single event, in this case the blast of lightening, made for good reading. While I most often identified with Toni (mother) I could also see myself and my siblings in the kids. Some good insights... more and entertaining moments.
review 2: "Man Alive" kept me mesmerized from page 1. It has all the elements of a good read -- smooth plot flow, complex character development, detailed descriptions, a balance between heart-tugging poignancy and laugh out loud humor, and a variety of themes--without sacrificing the characteristics of good literary fiction. The issues are tackled with sensitivity and nuance, and the story remains fresh throughout. It's an excellent choice for book club discussion (mine loved it!), being rich in discussion topics: family relations, medical issues that are relevant today, how people in the same family react very differently to the same event, and moments that resonate with readers. Do yourself a favor -- read it! less

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