A Visit From The Goon Squad is a unique and well-crafted novel that reads like a collection of interrelated short stories, each following different characters connected to a record company executive. The book is praised for its innovative structure and memorable chapters, but it can be challenging to follow due to its complexity and the need to piece together connections between characters and timelines.
A Visit From The Goon Squad is a novel that defies easy definition, blending the styles of a novel and a collection of short stories. Each chapter follows a different character connected to Bennie Salazar, a record company executive, spanning various locations and time periods. The book is celebrated for its unique structure and memorable chapters, such as the Powerpoint presentation slides and the satirical take on David Foster Wallace's style. However, the complexity of the narrative can make it challenging to follow, requiring multiple readings to fully appreciate the connections between characters and their stories. The book is well-written and meticulously crafted, but it demands significant time and mental space to fully enjoy.
Quick quotes
How did I go from being a rock star to being a fat fuck no one cares about?
A Visit From The Goon Squad is a great book in the sense that it’s incredibly well-written and meticulously crafted.
It’s one I’d only recommend picking up if you’ve got the time and brain space to dedicate to it, as it deserves no less.