The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman, like Super Sad True Love Story, centers on what the death of the printed word looks like. It tells the story of a small newspaper in Italy that is run by Americans.
Instead of tackling the newspaper head on though, he spends a chapter each on the lives and history of 11 people impacted by it's existence. It's creator, it's editors, it's biggest fans, it's owner ,etc.. And they're all very real and flushed out and effective at making you feel something. They're the kind of real that is hard to relate to, because it's so sad and harsh and unresolved.
You know, like, how life works.
None of the characters are really likable, but you can still choose your favorite because when compared to everyone else, that character least unsettled you. It'll be different for each person who reads this book.
Consensus was that the reason this is a good book is because there isn't a whole lot to like about it. That makes sense. It's well-written, intelligent, thought provoking, and the the fact that Rachman was able to effectively tell a story like this in so disjointed a fashion and in such different styles is admirable. But once you read it you want to criticize the characters and their choices, and you end up feeling real pity for them. And think..."Maybe I should go buy this book in book form, not in e-book." which is a good motto in my book.
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