Fiction
2017 G.P. Putnam's Sons
Finished on March 12, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
From the author of the "lyrical and compelling" (USA Today) novel A Good American comes a powerful story of two friends and the unintended consequences of friendship, loss, and hope.
For Robert Carter, life in his coastal Maine hometown is comfortably predictable. But in 1976, on his first day of eighth grade, he meets Nathan Tilly, who changes everything. Nathan is confident, fearless, impetuous--and fascinated by kites and flying. Robert and Nathan's budding friendship is forged in the crucible of two family tragedies, and as the boys struggle to come to terms with loss, they take summer jobs at the local rundown amusement park. It's there that Nathan's boundless capacity for optimism threatens to overwhelm them both, and where they learn some harsh truths about family, desire, and revenge.
Unforgettable and heart-breaking, Setting Free the Kites is a poignant and moving exploration of the pain, joy, and glories of young friendship.
It's been a decade since I first heard about Alex George. I received an ARC of his debut novel A Good American and read several chapters, but I couldn't get interested and eventually called it quits. A few years later Setting Free the Kites landed in my mailbox, and it wasn't until this past month as I was reorganizing my shelves that I noticed the review copy and moved it to my nightstand. I had forgotten that I had another one of George's novels and wasn't sure if it was for me until I glanced at the publisher's blurb. It might have been the 1970s setting or the coming-of-age reference, but whatever caught my eye, I'm glad it did. This is a great novel!
Narrated in the first person, I was quickly immersed in Alex George's compelling story and loved the developing bond between Robert and Nathan. I was reminded of a similar friendship between Owen Meany and John Wheelwright in A Prayer for Owen Meany. As with John Irving's outstanding novel, I felt emotionally connected to not only the young boys in George's terrific book, but also to the excellent cast of supporting characters. Lewis and Liam will stay with me right alongside Robert and Nathan. And like that great classic of Irving's, this book is also filled with tragedy and grief (some may say too much, but that's life, right?), which touched me deeply.
Alex George delivers an ultra-satisfying story. It's a beautiful novel and one I know I'll read again. I'm eager to try his latest book (The Paris Hours) and who knows, I might even go back and give A Good American a second chance.
Thanks, Vicki. It's one I'll be happy to read again!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see how much you enjoyed this one. It's interesting, especially considering the fact that you couldn't get interested in the author's other book.
ReplyDeleteDeb, it will be interesting to see if I enjoy his recent novel. I may go back and try his debut, maybe on audio.
DeleteI read something by this author for my book group and, I recall enjoying it. I just looked, it was in 2012 and it was The Good American.
ReplyDeletehttp://bibliophilebythesea.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-good-american-alex-george.html
This sounds rather good as well..
Diane, thanks for the link to your review. I think I'll give The Good American another try (on audio). I think you'd really enjoy this one, too.
DeleteOoo! This sounds amazing! A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of my favorite books of all time, so I will have to check this one out!
ReplyDeleteErin, A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of my favorite books, too. I think I've read it at least three times. Let me know if you read this one by Alex George. It's so good!
DeleteYou sold me on this one - and/or the author. I'd like to try one of his books. I think his new one also got good reviews. I'm glad you liked this novel - the friendship angle sounds good. And old rundown amusement parks make for ripe settings!
ReplyDeleteSusan, it's such a great book! I'm eager to get a copy of his new novel. With regard to the friendship angle, have you read David Benioff's City of Thieves? I enjoyed the friendship between the two main characters in that one, too.
DeleteYes. City of Thieves is terrific! Very visual too. I wish Benioff would write another. I will try getting Alex George's new novel about Paris from the library.
DeleteThis one is going on my list!
ReplyDeleteRobin, it's a gem. Hope you enjoy it, although a word of warning... it is filled with several instances of grief. Just be prepared.
DeleteI'm intrigued, and I love the title.
ReplyDeleteJen, I love the title too, although I keep wanting to write "Setting the Kites Free" instead of "Setting Free the Kites."
DeleteThis sounds interesting, especially because I'm just now writing about our travels in Maine. I appreciate the wide variety of books you review!
ReplyDeleteLaurel, the setting is wonderful! You'll love this book, I'm quite certain.
DeleteI think when books are set in a time that I experienced as a young person (think 1970s and '80s), I usually enjoy the book. The cultural references give the novel an added boost of authenticity.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I agree. I enjoy reading about that time period and like pop culture references, but am glad when they're not overdone.
DeleteThis sounds wonderful! I love books set in Maine and that time period, too. Adding to my list.
ReplyDeleteOh, JoAnn, this is one you will love! My mom just read it and gave it 5 stars. I'm almost tempted to read it again. Already!
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