Tetched: A Novel in Fractals [Paperback]

Thaddeus Rutkowski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005

In this offbeat coming-of-age novel, a biracial narrator tells of growing up in rural America and later escaping to a new life in a city. Early on, the boy witnesses his fathers struggles with idealism, alcoholism and an unrealized art career. The boys mother tries to comfort him with her own brand of Eastern wisdom, but her statements only create more confusion. After a series of almost surreal incidents involving parents, teachers and the children around him, the boy manages to move away to attend college. During and after school, he travels in search of companionship, but finds nothing that lasts. Eventually, he settles in a city and begins to build a life. Not surprisingly, his preoccupations dog his personal relationships until he succeeds in putting his past in perspective.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thaddeus Rutkowski grew up in central Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Cornell University and The Johns Hopkins University. His first novel, Roughhouse (Kaya Press), was a finalist for an Asian American Literary Award. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and daughter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 171 pages
• Publisher: Behler Publications (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933016167
• ISBN-13: 978-1933016160
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,756,480 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Trapping Love, June 9, 2007

By 

Hiram Goza (White Bear Lake, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tetched: A Novel in Fractals (Paperback)

Thaddeus Rutkowski's moving novel TETCHED chronicles the dilemma of a character who feels so unlovable that he tries to get women to agree to participate in his inept bondage sessions in order to be sure they will actually have sex with him. Beginning in the character's bizarre childhood, the novel gives an account of his life with an abusive, alcoholic father and a hardworking Asian mother who tries to help her children by quoting Chinese proverbs that seem to have little bearing on their problems. Horrifying though the events are, they are made palatable by Rutkowski's deadpan delivery and his unfailing ability to find elements of humor in them. I highly recommend this novel and will be on the lookout for other work by this author.

5.0 out of 5 stars An edgy, twitchy tale about not fitting in, January 30, 2006

By 

C. Wierzbicki (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tetched: A Novel in Fractals (Paperback)

Rutkowski's style may seem easy on the surface--a series of snapshot narratives related in a deadpan, matter-of-fact tone--but the scenes he chooses to evoke are very precise and focused, the way a photographer composes his images within a frame. This is concentrated angst, potent stuff, but with humor often peeking slyly through the keyhole. An edgy, twitchy book about not fitting in, and ultimately carving out one's own uniquely-shaped space.

5.0 out of 5 stars Behind Closed Doors, January 6, 2006

By 

Anna Thesia "Anna Thesia" (Brooklyn, N.Y.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tetched: A Novel in Fractals (Paperback)

Tetched leaves the door partially open on every bedroom in the house. Through small intimate vignettes, No-Restraints- Rutkowski's narrative leads readers down dark hallways and around shadowy corners to come up with a no holds barred portrait of coming of age in America in a biracial family. A sometimes humorous and always stimulating read.