This is a very interesting epistemological novel, since it combines the traditional format with long rumination and internal dialogue within the format of correspondence. It is the story of eager, young Seth, an internet journalist who becomes obsessed with a wonderkind author, Edna Sloane, and her mysterious disappearance.

The book takes the reader on a full circle from searching for Edna to building a mutual relationship to searching for Seth.

I especially loved Edna’s story. It amazed me to read about her so-called disappearance, only to learn the truth. It really is a feminist moment about marriage and motherhood. I especially loved the inclusion of Edna’s father, an Auschwitz survivor.

This is an interesting read, though it veers from the traditional epistemological exchange.

Thank you Netgalley for this opportunity.

This novel is inventive and fun while also being witty and smart. Within the epistolary style nuggets of humor and wisdom emerge. The author has a good grasp on the literary life, and I followed along with interest as Seth, a hungry young writer tries to "re-discover" Edna Sloane. I began to squirm as his true motivations became clearer. There's a lot of insight here and much to love.

Highly recommended for fans of WHERE"D YOU GO, BERNADETTE and similar witty literary fiction, especially for readers who enjoy an epistolary format. It would be a good selection for book clubs as I imagine opinions might vary since some readers have more patience for this type of slow burn story than others. Ultimately, I found it sophisticated and memorable.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-galley; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.

Rating this a 3.5 maybe 4 stars after sitting with it for a bit. Can’t tell if I actually like this book or not. The satire is so clever and some of the prose are so lyrical it makes you want to pick up a James Baldwin book immediately. Other parts feel like a fever dream…heavy on the fever.