As the title implies, I'm in the middle of this book, so this is not a review, just some thoughts mid-way through.
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Fleishman Is in Trouble
This is going to be a tough one to write about when I finish, unless the last half is significantly different than the first (a possibility I'm open to).
It's not the writing. The prose is delightful, there are turns of phrase that I've stopped to re-read. Brodesser-Akner has a sharp wit and an equally sharp eye for observation/social commentary.
But man, I'm just not enjoying this book at all. I don't like the protagonist (I admire the lessons he gives his residents at the hospital)—and he's easily the most likable character in the book. I can't tell you the number of times I've almost DNF'd this.
Here's why I'm sticking with it—I'm curious. Partially to see what the fuss is about (if I can). But more than that, I'm curious about the ending—I've heard it's a killer. And there are two things I want to see where Brodesser-Akner is going with (we might get the answers to all 3 simultaneously). I may not enjoy the book but she's doing everything right to get me to keep reading. Still, I'm afraid this is going to end up being in The Best of Adam Sharp or The Heart of Henry Quantum territory, however--well-written books that I only remember suffering through.
Has anyone out there read this thing? Any encouragement for me?
5
