Moonglow by Michael Chabon (review of audiobook)

Moonglow
by Michael Chabon [Compact Disc Chabon]

As part of my goal to read all three of the 2017 One Book – One Lincoln nominees, I snagged this Michael Chabon title as a Book-on-CD, read by actor George Newbern.

It is a very nicely done audiobook production — Newbern manages to inject a variety of different vocal stylings for each of the different characters. Chabon’s writing is excellent…much of the book feels like free-associating. The story is an autobiographical retelling of elements from Chabon’s grandfather’s life, told in fictional style. There are moments of sublime pleasure, but I’ll have to admit that I found the structure of the novel — or perhaps I should say “lack of structure” to be a bit off-putting. None-the-less, the strengths do outweigh the weaknesses, and I do find myself recommending this particular title. I’ll have to admit, I’ve enjoyed other Chabon more, though (particularly alternate history novel The Yiddish Policemen’s Union). The topics that the novel/biography touches upon would be worthy discussion topics for any One Book – One Lincoln book group: World War II, difficulties in communicating, manned space exploration, unreliable narrators, and more!

[ publisher’s official Moonglow web page ] | [ publisher’s official Michael Chabon web site ]

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library

Have you read or listened to this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide website. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month. Click the tag for the reviewer's name to see more of this reviewers recommendations!