Book Review - J by Howard Jacobson

Photo Credit - Random House

**May contain spoilers**

The love story that is taken place in a "world where collective memory has vanished and the past is a dangerous country, not to be talked about or visited". The unlikely pair was drawn to each other by first sight. Their curious encounter takes them on strange path to leading the pair to wonder, was their meeting by faith or someone controlling their faith?  In a society, where everything is closely monitored, the pair risk everything to stay together for not just themselves but for entire faith of mankind.

The Man Booker Prize winner author spins a tale that many reviewers akin to Orwell’s 1984 and  Huxley’s Brave New World. I would also throw in the mix, Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451  and the movie Inception. 

The book is written with dialogue intertwined with journal entries and stories. One would wonder how some of the stories seem misplaced and how they fit together with the entire story. Like the movie, Inception you would need to read the book several times to appreciate all the finer details and even then it might not be enough.

However, if you are like me, dear reader, I got confused and overwhelmed very quickly (just like the movie Inception). Some of the story's undertones were not apparent and I rather not assume to guess what the author is trying to tell me but rather...have it spoon fed. Which brings me to one of my annoyance with this book, which while rich in story and creatively written, the author writes in mini-story lines that make you wonder and interested in them but fail to develop or expand more on it.  Sadly, while the book does offer insight to not only the main characters but side characters as well -- it doesn't offer much more than random tidbits. A good read at least once if you are okay with cliffhangers and your assumptions.

**Received this book in exchanged for an honest opinion. This had no affect on my review**