I was in a bit of a reading funk, and then Mislaid by Nell Zink came along and rocked my world. Somehow Zink manages to take on the establishment (read Old White Guys) in every way AND tell a good story without being preachy or too agenda oriented.
To wit, Mislaid is a story about a lesbian student who has gets knocked up by her gay English professor. After several years of an unfulfilling marriage, Peggy takes her blue-eyed blonde daughter, moves to the country and passes as Black. Oh, and did I mention that it’s late 1960’s Virginia? And then there is a twist that made me love this book even more.
I’m not going to say that Mislaid is without problems, but overall I think it is going to be a big book this year. Stylistically, it employed some tools that I’m not a fan of – it jumps through about 20 years in break neck speed. And I thought the ending was rushed, but that’s all I’ll say about that. The writing is solid and has a wry sense of humor, which i appreciated.
Who would like this book? I keep wondering if The Socratic Salon is going to pick up Mislaid for one of its discussions. There is a lot to talk about – issues of race, racial appropriation, sexuality, gender, wealth and money – so it’s a good book club pick. For the more conservative reader, it may rankle a few feathers, but that’s what art is about, isn’t it? Also, it seems that Southern Lit is having a bit of a renaissance right now, and Mislaid naturally fits in with that.
52 books or bust 
This sounds brilliant, and what an eye-catching jacket!
Oh yes!! Yours is one of the first reviews I’ve seen ,but I’ve been eyeballing this book for a long time. Totally adding it to my library holds right now. And it does sound very much like a TSS book!
I spotted this book a while ago and put it on my wishlist. Glad to reas you ejoyed it. Hoping here The Socratic Salon will pick it up as that will give me an excuse to buy it.
I still have The Wallcreeper on my list. I hear that one’s a bit off-the-wall, as well. Maybe more so. You sure make this one sound worth reading!
I don’t think this one is as wacky as The Wallcreeper. But it was very good. How come I’ve never heard of Nell Zink before?
A little less wacky might be better in this case, from what I’ve read.
I’ve been SO attracted to the cover of this, and yours is the first review I’ve come across! It sounds like something right down my alley! 🙂
This is one of those times when the book is as good as the cover.
I’ve had my eye on this one for a while, so I’m excited to hear you enjoyed it! It just sounds so bonkers and wonderful.
I actually thought it was going to be too bonkers, but it’s just the right amount.
Wow, this sounds a bit zany! How fun 🙂 I’m hosting my book club this month and just sent out options for people to vote on. The first time I hosted, I picked all books I loved, but this time, I tried to pick conversation starters.
Not everyone will like a book like this, but it will create discussions.
I like how said Mislaid is just the right amount of bonkers! I have holds on both Mislaid and The Wallcreeper, so it was good to read your review while I’m waiting for them. I’ve only seen one blogger review The Wallcreeper, but the book critics seem to love Mislaid.
Why had I never heard of The Wallcreeper until Mislaid? There’s a beautiful box set of the two for sale over here in UK.
Pingback: Nicotine by Nell Zink | 52 books or bust