Palimpsest

by Catherynne M Valente, Gore Vidal
Palimpsest cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 4622
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-23
  • ISBN: 9780349148366
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2025-10-02
  • Reviews: 4

Palimpsest: A Memoir is Gore Vidal's captivating account of his first thirty-nine years, filled with charm, wit, and razor-sharp observations. He recounts his upbringing in a DC political family, his service in World War II, and his rise as a literary sensation in New York. The memoir also delves into his time in Hollywood, London, Paris, and Rome, his political campaign, and his legendary feuds with figures like Truman Capote and William F. Buckley. /n/n At the heart of the book is Vidal's poignant remembrance of his first love, Jimmy Trimble, who was killed in battle on Iwo Jima. Vidal's lustrous prose and waspish wit make this memoir a compelling read, offering a unique glimpse into the life of one of America's most fascinating figures.

Reviews
Guilt and Industry · Harry Readhead · 2023-01-01
entertaining 3.50

The memoir is bitchy and fun, with a wandering narrative that occasionally finds focus. It captivates with its wit and insightful observations.

This memoir is a delightful mix of wit and caustic humor, much like one would expect from the author. The narrative can feel a bit scattered at times, but when it hits its stride, it offers profound insights and entertaining anecdotes. The reviewer particularly enjoys the author's sharp observations and the way he weaves his personal experiences into the broader historical context. It's a book that keeps you engaged with its lively prose and memorable moments.

Quick quotes

    Palimpsest is bitchy and fun, as you might expect from the author, but reads like a wandering mind that at times—only at times, mind you—comes into focus.

    The memoir's structure is as layered as its title suggests, with each layer revealing more about the author's complex personality.

    Vidal's wit is as sharp as ever, cutting through the pages with a blend of humor and insight that makes this memoir a compelling read.

SFF Book Review · 2017-02-27
compelling 3.50

The book is challenging to read, with a disjointed beginning and diverse protagonists. However, the reviewer found the unique and bizarre nature of the book compelling.

This reviewer found Palimpsest to be a challenging read, particularly in the beginning, which they described as disjointed and confusing. They appreciated the diverse protagonists and the unique and bizarre nature of the book, which they found compelling. The reviewer also noted that the book does not follow classic rules of plot or character development, which they found refreshing and engaging. They appreciated the book's surreal and fantastic city, which they found to be a fascinating exploration of industrial revolution myths.

Quick quotes

    This isn't an easy book to read.

    The beginning especially feels disjointed, things don't make sense yet, the protagonists are wildly diverse and ...

    It's an adult fairy tale which does not follow any classic rules of plot or character development.

Elitist Book Reviews · Shawn · 2010-07-21
exquisite 4.00

The language is exquisite and beautifully crafted, making it a highlight of the book. The reviewer found the prose inadequate to describe but deeply moving.

Shawn from Elitist Book Reviews was particularly taken with the language of Palimpsest. They found themselves inadequately prepared to describe the beauty of Valente's prose, which they described as exquisite and beautifully crafted. The reviewer felt that the language alone made the book worth reading, and they were deeply moved by the poetic and evocative writing. They also appreciated the unique and bizarre nature of the book, which they found refreshing and engaging.

Quick quotes

    The best part about this book for me was the language.

    I find myself inadequately prepared to describe in words the beauty of Valente's prose.

    The language alone made the book worth reading.

Reddit - Fantasy · 2009-02-24
captivating 4.50

The prose is lyrical and captivating, with each character's unique obsession driving the narrative. The book's intricate world-building and poetic language make it a standout.

This reviewer was deeply impressed by the lyrical and gorgeous prose of Palimpsest. They found each character's arc fascinating, particularly how each person's obsession drove them. The reviewer loved the intricate world-building and the poetic language that made the book feel like a living, breathing entity. The reviewer also appreciated the unique and bizarre nature of the book, which they found refreshing and engaging.

Quick quotes

    The prose is lyrical and gorgeous.

    Each character's arc is fascinating, I loved how each person had their own obsession that drove them.

    The book's intricate world-building and poetic language make it a standout.

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