Customer Reviews

The Nephew

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The 64-word opening sentence of "The Nephew" contains more information than some whole novels. It also introduces the quietly dazzling craftsmanship of a writer who should have been far better known than he was. I frankly had never heard of James Purdy until I saw his obituary in March 2009, and he seemed so intriguing that I found a couple of his out-of-print books, of which this was the first. "The Nephew" is an exquisite sketch of characters and place, like a line drawing with just a few pale colors filled in, leaving the reader to imagine the rest. It is a small story, not a sweeping epic, with a handful of players set in an inconsequential town, most of them well along in years, each struggling in their own way with a vexing mystery. The result is a delicate, almost hushed tale that ends quietly, not so far from where it began. But you'll be very glad you went along.

This book, The Nephew, is a masterpiece of writing by the great American writer, James Purdy. I am so happy to have another copy to give to a friend.