LMNOP
Yesterday, hung-over from election madness, I did not write. Instead, I read. I’d had this book around for a couple of months. I don’t remember what made me buy it, but I never put it on a shelf, or in a basket or under a pile. I left it out so I’d remember to read it. It’s not on the best-seller list and I don’t know anyone who’s read it.
So I left home 30 minutes before I needed to, parked in a prime spot, waited for my daughter to get out of school and I started reading.
Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters, by Mark Dunn, is whimsical in a way that only a deliberate and brilliant writer can do whimsy. It’s also dark, with themes of repression and censorship that could only be written by someone who abhors it but can still see its absurdity. It has a cadence that carries you from page to page.
And because I can’t say it better, this is my favorite blurb from inside the front cover:
“Mark Dunn has penned a short parable about language and the freedom to use it. While maintaining an admirable light touch, he manages to make his points and entertain simultaneously, no small feat.”
–The Commercial Appeal
This is a smart, short book — just over 200 pages.
The election’s over…what else do you have to fill up that time you spend online watching politic rants on TV?
If you’ve read Ella Minnow Pea, I’d love to know what you thought of it. If you want to know more, let me know that too.
Have not heard of this book. Love the play of words (letters!) in the title. Smart. I’d assume the book is smart in that way as well?
I’d love to hear more. Sounds like a good read. Wonder if he’s gonna come out with Estee U. VeeDubbaYew next?
Joanne: Yes, the book is very smart in several ways…the overall idea, the language, the characters, the structure. The entire novel is letters back and forth between people because their freedom of speech is thwarted. But that being said, it’s a light, easy to read book.
Angie: See above, LOL! One of my favorite things is that as absurd as it is, and even though this story is set on a completely fictional island nation off the South Carolina coast, it’s believable 100%, especially in light of recent rumblings about banned books, censorship, etc.
This sounds interesting. I think I’ll have a look for it this weekend. The subject matter is certainly very pertinent to this little Island I’m on. Little books can be heavy. Flatland was like that an I suspect this one is similar in it’s depth of meaning. Thanks Amy for the suggestion.
Add a ‘d’ to the ‘an’ on the second line.
d.d.duh on me.
hehehe @ Ella minnow Pea.
It’s no wonder learning the alphabet song doesn’t really help hahaha.
That sounds like stolen moments to me…leaving early, parking and reading. Sounds delicious.
LOL, I definitely am having a hard time pulling myself away from the post-election news. I’m going to check out this book. Sounds intriguing, definitely!