Taking the form of a dialogue novel, Eggers's book "Your Fathers,..." ends up being an insightful snapshot of a moment in American history/culture seen through the eyes of one disturbed but believable narrator. The plot is basically that of a hostage story, but this time it's multiple hostage event. The choice of people that the protagonist, Thomas, chooses as his "victims", as well as what he says to each of them, provides a window on his psyche and by extension, the psyche of contemporary America. Needless to say, it's not a pretty picture. The lack of clear conclusion of the hostage taking event (although likely resolution is suggested) and non-disclosure of Thomas's motives may be irritating to some readers, but I think it engages the thinking reader well. We have to connect the dots as we work through the many disconnected snippets of conversation with several people to construct our own coherent interpretation.
For a review of the book by The Guardian, click here: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/02/your-fathers-where-are-they-prophets-live-forever-dave-eggers-review
For a review of the book by The Guardian, click here: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/02/your-fathers-where-are-they-prophets-live-forever-dave-eggers-review
