Bonnie Garmus, whose first novel, “Lessons in Chemistry,” spent nearly two years on the New York Times bestseller list, has penned a second novel, “Peck & Peck,” that is remarkably different, although both novels contain unique characters and storylines.
At first, the book seems tedious and slow-moving. Perhaps that makes one appreciate even more the latter part, which is where the real action takes place.
For readers of a certain age, the “Peck & Peck” of this novel is not the classic women’s clothing store of the 20th century. Instead, it’s a prestigious poetry journal. The book title is named after twin brothers who are feuding editors in-chief.
The central character, Batter Gray, is named after
The central character, Batter Gray, is named after a dog whom his mother referred to as a hero. At the risk of providing a spoiler, Gray becomes a hero, too.
Gray’s family had big aspirations for him that did not include anything associated with poetry. But Gray had an “ear for it” an knew that he loved poetry. After many false starts following college, he landed a job at Peck & Peck. But it is not the lofty job he thought he was hired for, but instead is manning copy machines in the basement of the facility.
Lucie-Anne has been an inveterate reader all her life, owns hundreds of books, and enjoys sharing her thoughts about what she reads.
Several characters are likeable
Several characters are likeable. In particular, Gray’s college roommate, Paul, who becomes a lawyer and ends up at Peck & Peck.
Gray’s mother, while a bit eccentric, is an expert in typesetting and has comments on many topics. She has extensive knowledge of typefaces, keeping in mind that the action in the book takes place in 1982 when IBM Selectric typewriters were the order of the day. Copy machines were also important at that time.
Peck & Peck is about as dysfunctional as a business can be. Salton Peck inherited the company and orchestrates the demise of his twin so that he can have supreme power. It doesn’t take long for one to dislike Salton, who is mean to everyone in his employ.
The building that houses the company is itself
The building that houses the company is itself a character. From the almost prison-like atmosphere of the basement where Gray works to the marble stairs leading to the offices of the editors, to the dead trees outside the building, the structure is seemingly a reflection of the pleasant and unpleasant atmosphere that personifies the operation.
In sum, the book is not a second “Lessons in Chemistry,” but is a sharp and focused study of characters who are quirky, insightful, disturbing, dysfunctional, mysterious and even humorous. The whole story does come together nicely at the end of the book.
Charter Books will welcome Garmus to discuss her book on Oct. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Jane Pickens Theater.
