Speed is a funny and sad novel about two brothers growing up in Mount Vernon, New York, in the 1920s and 1930s. The narrator, glib and enterprising, is favored by his family and everyone else. His relationship with his brother, Speed, is affectionate but also psychologically complex and ultimately tortured. He takes advantage of the saintly Speed, whose value, in the eyes of the world, is negated by his disabling stutter. The narrator is successful in everything he attempts, whereas the more gifted Speed is doomed to failure. Then something happens to Speed, and the narrator spends decades missing him and searching for him. Mark Harris brings his characteristic wit, charm, and imagination to a story that is no less poignant for being entertaining.
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Book Description
--This text refers to the
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In a poignant coming-of-age novel set in the second quarter of this century, the narrator recalls his younger brother, Speed, whose athletic and intellectual abilities were undermined by a disabling stutter. "True to period details and his narrator's emotions, Harris shows us that life replete with success in love and work can yet be ruled by sorrow," said PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Set in Mount Vernon, New York, in the 1920s and 1930s, this is the story of two brothers, both bright and handsome--Speed and the narrator. Of the two, Speed is brighter, more handsome, a better athlete, and a more generous human being. Unfortunately, Speed has a terrible stutter that negates his value in the eyes of many. Speed finds salvation of sorts in his dream of owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. While the narrator loves Speed, he is also jealous of him. He senses that if Speed talked normally, he--the narrator--would be seen as the lesser of the two. After Speed disappears, the narrator spends decades missing him and searching for him. Strong sense of place combined with excellent characterization make this bittersweet tale a superior reading experience. By the author of Bang the Drum Slowly (LJ 2/15/56) and The Southpaw (Buccaneer Bks., 1982; Univ. of Nebraska Pr., 1984. pap.) .
- James B. Hemesath, Adams State Coll. Lib., Alamosa, Col.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- James B. Hemesath, Adams State Coll. Lib., Alamosa, Col.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favorite books of all time.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Speed: A Novel (G K Hall Large Print Book Series) (Hardcover)
Probably one of my favorite books of the 1990's. Maybe because of the sibling rivalry. I'm dying to know if it is autobiographical. Did it really happen? How do I contact author?
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