In the Land of the Living is billed as a coming of age story. That seems to be a catchall all category for books that don't follow a tidy narrative. And, truly, the most trying thing about this book is that it isn't really about anything. It is an amble through the lives of the Auberon men. What's more, the first generation - Ezer - and two-thirds of the second generation - Dennis and Burt - simply vanish from the story. Unfortunately for me, I found the second generation far more interesting and sympathetic than the third generation - Leo and Mack - with whom I was stuck for the remaining 200 pages.
In many ways, I was reminded of The Goldfinch, possibly my least favorite book of 2014. In the Land of the Living has been on my reading list for months, since it was featured in the UM Alumni Magazine. I'll have to think twice before adding their picks onto my list. After a strong start - Edmund Love, Rich Boy, and The Blood of Free Me, I'm now 0-for-2. (Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin was also a bust.)
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