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Title: A Brilliant Mind, But...
Review: I have heard Stephen Carter speak, so I came to this novel knowing it likely would be thought-provoking and rewarding. My expectations were well satisfied, but I was surprised that his editor didn't challenge him on things like overuse of some metaphors (such as "chewing on cotton"--a 650-page novel probably can sustain two appearances, but not more...), providing more reminders of who his myriads of characters were, and help with a few credibility gaps in the plot, particularly toward the end (why on earth could Misha not search his own attic until a hurricane hit, speaking of which, if he was out in the storm himself, any tail worth his/her salt wouldn't be giving up either...). Concerning length, if every sentence, scene, had been perfect (or nearly so!), readers would enthusiastically stay with him till the last page. But, all in all, my vote is that it is a worthwhile read and a great discussion-group novel.
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