Customer Reviews

Prue and I

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Oh, George William Curtis. How I wish...How I wish you were here. You and I are kinda like two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year...

Oh, well, please forgive the Pink Floyd references, but I have to say, few have ever spent as much time in their own head than the members of the aforementioned band and Mr. Curtis, respectfully. And you will get a chance to spend time in the head of Mr. Curtis' characters if you are so inclined to read this book, as well.

**Minor Spoilers**

Mr. Curtis, a transcendentalist and former occupant of Brook Farm does his wily best to show us a radically different point of view. He suceeds with flying colors. 'Prue and I' tells us the near psychadelic experiences of an old accountant, with his steadfast companion, the loyal, dutiful housewife Prue, and his close companion, his older fellow underling accountant and friend, Mr. Titbottom. While our accountant evidently has far too much time on his hands, he whiles the hours aways drifting and devloping elaborate fantasies about beautiful single women, castles, boats, etc. At first, I was not quite sure where his thoughts ended and reality began, or if the author really chose to distinguish between the two. As to the question, in the end, I decided that he did not.

Oh, and don't forget Mr. Titbottom's Spectacles. A chapter which really is a stand alone short story in the middle of a novel. Really, a 'spectacle' allegory in which his magical 'spectacles' can let you see how people 'really are,' which in his case is always true, but only in a metaphorical way. Quite weird, really, but offers up a few insights along the way. A nice free interlude (smack in the middle of the book) for the price of admission.

Oh, and then there is the abundance of literary and historical references, which represent the 'pop culture' references of the day. Baron Munchausen makes his way into a cameo role in this book, with a retelling of a little adventure of his own. Bookies might find these references enlightening, comical, and adding to the overall appeal of the story.

The book wraps up with some bittersweet musings on love, which leaves us with all the warm touchy feely stuff we could handle after such a long cerebral voyage. Overall, I have become comfortably numb (PF Again!). I really have exited this book as a born again introvert, one who can feel quite comfortable musing about inside my own brain, content to be quiet. Hope I can shake it off soon. Note to self: detract one star for this.

Recommended.