Jane's Folly

The story contains wonderfully complex characters that show multiple facets of personality; thought-provoking discussions and asides on the nature of life, how we're supposed to live it; almost metafictional examinations of art, writing, and filmmaking; explorations and deconstructions of sex, love, and romance; and just really funny passages, anecdotes, dialogue, and moments (a favorite being the "confrontation" between Paul and Judy's former lover). The cast of characters really...
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The story contains wonderfully complex characters that show multiple facets of personality; thought-provoking discussions and asides on the nature of life, how we're supposed to live it; almost metafictional examinations of art, writing, and filmmaking; explorations and deconstructions of sex, love, and romance; and just really funny passages, anecdotes, dialogue, and moments (a favorite being the "confrontation" between Paul and Judy's former lover). The cast of characters really brings the narrative alive. Paul is a marvel, he feels just as fully realized as an antihero in a much longer book, and he continues to surprise throughout the shortness of this novel. Jane, Paul's mother, is the character (as it should be, considering the book's focus) who really steps to the forefront as the narrative delves into her mindset and she gives her side of the story in counterpoint to Paul's dominant perspective. She has her flaws and foibles, but she does love her son and ultimately want what's best for him (though it's through the prism of her own desire to always present the right image of herself and her family to the community). Some of the best scenes in the book are the ones in which she and Paul verbally spar and joust, each trying to come out on top. The irony is that by doing so, they usually end up with an outcome that neither wanted in the first place.