For me, there were simply too many "down the rabbit hole" moments in this book to enjoy it. There are numerous locales, bizarre characters and a fluctuating timeline that eventually come together to explain Tooly's life, but by the time that happened, I had tired of reading this book. It never fully engaged my interest.
In The Rise & Fall of Great Powers by Tom Rachman, we meet Tooly Zylberberg at three points in her life. In 2011, Tooly is a thirty-something bookseller. In 1999, Tooly is a young-adult in New York City. In 1988, Tooly is a young girl moving from place to place. The book is a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. As you fit more and more pieces in, a picture of Tooly's life emerges.
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014/06/the-rise-fall-of-great-powers-novel.html
*** Reviewed based on a copy received through a publishers giveaway ***
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014/06/the-rise-fall-of-great-powers-novel.html
*** Reviewed based on a copy received through a publishers giveaway ***