A Visit From the Goon Squad

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION

The Plot

A Visit From the Goon Squad intricately weaves the lives of its characters, primarily focusing on Sasha, a woman grappling with her compulsions and a tumultuous past filled with violence and escapism. As she navigates her thirties, her life intersects with Bennie Salazar, an ageing former punk rocker turned record executive, who unknowingly employs her. The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected stories, revealing the complexities of time, memory, and the music industry.

Themes

• Time and Change: The novel explores how time impacts relationships and personal identity.
• Redemption: Characters seek forgiveness and understanding amidst their failures.
• Art and Memory: The influence of music serves as a backdrop, highlighting how art shapes experiences and connections.

Writing Style

Egan's innovative narrative structure employs shifting perspectives and diverse formats, including a PowerPoint presentation within the storyline, making the reading experience both engaging and thought-provoking. Her prose is rich in detail, capturing the essence of each character's journey while maintaining a lyrical quality that resonates deeply with the reader.

"A brilliant exploration of the connections between people and the passage of time."

This novel will appeal to readers who appreciated David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas or Jennifer Egan's own Look at Me, as it delves into the complexities of human experiences across different eras and settings.