A Visit from the Goon Squad
by Jennifer Egan
Approximately 359 pages
A network of characters unfolds across decades and changing forms, asking the reader to assemble connections rather than follow one continuous plot.
Difficulty
Moderate
Pace
Medium
Mood
restless, reflective
Book club
High
Is this book for you?
Read this if you enjoy
- readers who enjoy structural play
- music fans
- groups interested in time and technology
Consider another book if
- you need one stable narrator
- nonlinear stories are tiring for you
What it is about
"A Visit from the Goon Squad" explores the interconnected lives of various characters in the music industry. The narrative unfolds through a series of linked stories that span different decades. Each chapter focuses on a different character, revealing their past and present.
The book examines themes of aging, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Egan employs diverse narrative styles, including a PowerPoint presentation format. The characters include a music producer, a punk rocker, and their families.
The story highlights the impact of technology on relationships and communication. As the characters navigate their personal and professional struggles, their lives intersect in unexpected ways. The book reflects on the nature of memory and the influence of the past.
Ultimately, it presents a tapestry of human experiences shaped by music and time.
Award recognition
2011 winner
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
United States
2010 winner
National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction
United States · Fiction
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