Castle

by J. Robert Lennon

Book Overview

Castle by J. Robert Lennon is a mesmerizing novel about memory, guilt, power, and violence

In the late winter of 2006, I returned to my home town and bought 612 acres of land on the far western edge of the county. So begins, innocuously enough, J. Robert Lennon's gripping, spooky, and brilliant new novel. Unforthcoming, formal, and more than a little defensive in his encounters with curious locals, Eric Loesch starts renovating a run-down...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1555975224
• ISBN13: 9781555975227
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Graywolf Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A strong choice for literary fiction readers

Paranoia is a powerful mental malfunction that makes one see things that aren't there. "Castle" is a novel following Eric Loesch and his renovation of his home in a New York forest. But his project isn't simple; Loesch must cut through a deceptive mystery in order to get the job done. "Castle" also contains much to make the reader think about, with allusion to social issues, making it a strong choice for literary fiction readers.

PTSD wrought in fiction makes for a riveting read

I'm struggling as to how, exactly, to describe this book. I can give you the basic plot: a man originally from small town, Upstate New York returns to where he grew up, many years after he'd left. Something terrible happened in his family while they lived there, but he's been away so long not many people remember him. He purchases a large tract of land in the country, including an older house that's falling into disrepair. The land is also partially forested with a strange, bowl-shaped forest, in the middle of which is a large rock. The man is, how do I put this, antisocial. Perhaps pathologically so, as he's unrepentant. He considers himself superior to everyone he meets, and doesn't have a firm grasp on his temper or his tendency toward righteous indignation, even when no offense was intended. He fixes up the house on his own and moves in. When he starts exploring the forest he has strange memories that seem part flashback, part imagination. And the reader doesn't know which until much later in the book. Telling more would be spilling the beans. And there will be no bean spilling here. So, how did I feel about the experience of reading this book? I felt riveted. I had to know the secrets, why the main character felt such a visceral reaction to the forest, who or what was responsible for the strange things that started happening to him. What happened in his early life to make him the way he was. There's a twist at the 3/4 point. It ties in where he'd been for many years of his absence, and how his childhood lead him to be the man he is. The switch is so sudden I didn't expect it. In fact, Lennon turns on the proverbial dime. To those who may end up reading it, don't let it throw you too much. Keep reading. It'll all make sense by the end. A lot of readers won't like this technique. It's disruptive to the flow of what's a very exciting scene. I think it's done deftly, but not everyone will. This will be a sticking point with many, because from this point on things change rapidly and dramatically. This is a strange novel. It reminds me of Jennifer Egan's The Keep, which is one of those love it or hate it books. I personally loved it. It won't satisfy people who like their loose ends all conveniently tied up, but those who love the dark, gothic writing of Ian McEwan may appreciate this book. It's different, but in many ways similar to his writing. It also has a Barbara Vine quality because it delves into the main character's extremely complex, partly amnesiac, perhaps psychotic mind. It's an impressive read, but it won't be to everyone's taste. But for me? It was worth giving up sleep.

An Examination in Three Parts

Give Castle, by J, Robert Lennon, a look-see. If you're like me, you won't know how you feel about this novel until the second half, which both answer most of the questions you have about the narrator's upbringing, and provides some of the most unsettling fiction I've read about what our country is doing so very wrong. I'd hate to give anything away, but this book is highly recommended-- its the third Lennon book I've read, and the guy doesn't disappoint.

Gripping

We are introduced to our main character Eric when he is in his hometown, buying a house with land. He seems to be antisocial and a bit on the mean side. He discovers a little bit of his land isn't his after all. Whoever's it is, the name is blocked out. He tries to find out, and eventually it is his old mentor, Doctor Avery Stiles. From there his adventure begins. We find out why Eric is so antisocial. I couldn't stop reading, the book just picked up and held me till the end. I normally don't read this kind of book, but I am so glad I did. One I am glad I didn't miss out on!

No spoilers here

First let me say that the best review written for this book so far is that of "Just Karen" on January 4, 2009, so be sure to read that one for a concise summary and honest opinion with no plot spoilers. "Just Karen" says it far better than I can here--only I will give Castle 5 stars instead of 4. Look, Lennon has a message he wants to get across here. In order to do so, he is compelled to present some pretty disturbing images. As reviewers, we mustn't punish the writer because we find some scenes personally repugnant. That would be like giving Saving Private Ryan four stars because 'it was a great movie but the opening 20 minutes was far too violent.' Beyond that, keep in mind how difficult it is to take on the persona of someone who is distinctly different from your own personality, and then write from that point of view in first person. Of course Loesch repeats certain phrases--we all do. In this aspect of the novel, I think Lennon nails the character--to a truly profound and artistic extent. Having said all that, let me just say that you need to be prepared to face the dark side of humankind if you choose to read this novel. It is eerie, suspenseful, thrilling, mysterious--but it delves deep into the psyche of man at a time in our history--now--when we really don't want to face what soldiers might have been doing, under the authority of our country, in another part of the world. A one-word summation for Castle might be: shocking... just like present day news reports....