A Visit from The Goon Squad

by Jennifer Egan
A Visit from The Goon Squad cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 615
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9780307477477
  • Publisher: Anchor
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that weaves together the lives of Bennie Salazar, a former punk rocker turned record executive, and Sasha, his assistant, as they navigate their secrets and the ever-changing music industry. The narrative spans from the 1970s punk scene in San Francisco to a futuristic world, offering a unique blend of music, technology, and human connection. /n/n The novel is praised for its innovative structure and vivid characterizations, delving into themes of time, power, and the impact of technology on society. Egan's experimental writing style, including a chapter written entirely in PowerPoint, adds a layer of creativity that sets this book apart.

Reviews
The Lit Bitch · The Lit Bitch · 2011-11-05
ravishing 4.75

The book is a unique and ravishing literary work that demands attention and leaves a lasting impression.

The reviewer at The Lit Bitch describes the book as a great literary work that is both unique and ravishing. They emphasize that it will make readers stand up and pay attention, with a timeless rhythm that echoes throughout. The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of themes like time and music, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    This is a great literary work. It is unique and ravishing...it will make you stand up and pay attention and listen to the chorus of timeless rhythm echoing off the pages.

    Egan's writing is intelligent and her characters are deeply human, making the book both engaging and thought-provoking.

    The book's exploration of time and music is both poignant and timely, resonating with readers on multiple levels.

The Guardian · 2011-03-13
delightful 4.00

The book is a delight to read, gradually revealing a complex narrative. It distills a rich medley from its polyphonic structure.

The reviewer finds this book a joy to read, despite its complexity. The narrative unfolds in a way that feels organic and engaging, gradually revealing its depth. They appreciate the medley of voices and styles, which together create a rich and satisfying reading experience. The reviewer also notes that the book's structure, while challenging, is ultimately rewarding.

Quick quotes

    This is a difficult book to summarise, but a delight to read, gradually distilling a medley out of its polyphonic, sometimes deliberately disorienting structure.

    Egan’s writing is inventive and her characters are well-drawn, even if their stories sometimes seem to diverge too much.

    The book’s structure is both its greatest strength and its potential weakness, but overall, it works.

The New York Times · Janet Maslin · 2010-07-08
engaging 4.50

The book is darkly funny and filled with loss, showcasing Egan's satirical eye and romantic sensibilities.

Janet Maslin highlights the book's ability to balance humor and sadness, noting that it is often darkly funny despite its themes of loss. She praises Egan's sharp satirical eye and her ability to infuse the narrative with romance. The reviewer also appreciates the book's unique structure and its exploration of time and change, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Although shredded with loss, 'A Visit From the Goon Squad' is often darkly, rippingly funny.

    Egan possesses a satirist's eye and a romantic's heart, and she wields both with precision.

    The book's structure is innovative and its exploration of time and change is thought-provoking.

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