Real Life of an MSW

I recently finished reading “Man Walks Into a Room” by Nicole Kraus, (243 pages, 2002). I should have taken a hint from the title; while the initial plot caught my eye and the first few chapters were engaging, I ultimately found the book aimless.

The story follows Samson Greene, who develops a tumor that causes him to lose his memory of the ages between 12 and 35. Unfortunately, the plot moves glacially, feeling more like a disjointed set of descriptions than a cohesive narrative. Just as the author begins to address the profound issues of Samson reconnecting with his wife, career, and friends, the story takes a bizarre turn into the Mojave Desert. The introduction of a mad scientist transferring memories shifts what could have been a promising meditation on memory into a poorly executed sci-fi plot.

Furthermore, the characters lack depth, and the writing is extremely uneven, ranging from intelligent insights to unskilled prose. This is easily the worst book I have read in years. Although the basic premise was intriguing, the lack of structure made for a frustrating experience. This was a firm reminder of why I should stick to my 50-page rule, and I regret continuing until the end.