The Fool of New York City: A Novel

From the reviews, I thought the conversations between Billy and the man with amnesia would be reminiscent of the conversations in another of O'Brien's books, Sophia's House, between a man and a young Jew he was hiding in his attic during WW2. But it wasn't, because the characters here get out and about. There was more than just conversations, but to say what, goes into spoilers. I'll say this: It was approaching 3 a.m. and I didn't have anymore time to find out what was going to happen, so I started skipping through to the end. The next day I picked up where I left off, and appreciated knowing the end as it was playing out. This is a book that has nine-eleven happen in it.I consider O'Brien's writing to be of classical quality. So the many parallel, overlapping, unlikely, and inexplicable circumstances must have literary significance, although I'm stumped on what some of them could mean, even down to the title. It was gratifying when it dawned on me that the book had come full circle, from him not even knowing his name, to him, in recalling his story, putting a dirty blanket over his shoulders. But that's not the end of the book, as many reviews imply. It goes on. The book is written in first person.

It is exciting to discover a really well written book that offers more than words! Reading this book provides the opportunity to delve into some of its themes. I loved this book! In fact, I will read it again. When I began reading it, I was dubious! We have a giant (really a giant?) and someone who thinks he is Francisco de Goya. I stop and wonder, "Will I like this book?" Once into the story, it is virtually impossible to put the book down and you don't want it to end. You want to know ever more about the author's characters. Also want to know more about the author and his unusual way of storytelling. I highly recommend it and hope to use in my book club

Michael O'Brien usually writes books with a gently spiritual theme and The Fool of New York is a new version of this style. The story is told lovingly from the point of view of an artist living in New York who gets amnesia as a result of losing his parents and little brother in the 9/11 attacks. A very tall guy also living in New York running a rundown, empty apartment building finds the artist on the street unable to remember anything and takes him in to live with the giant. Gradually the stories of both the artist and the giant are discovered by the other with the self-sacrificing kindness of the giant. This is a beautiful tale demonstrating the healing power of love and perseverance of someone (i.e. the giant) trying to save others who has experienced deep trauma and pain himself.

I love this book so much. I love O'Brien's books and expected to love this one, but it still surprised me. I didn't realize how much I took my memory for granted. Not remembering who I am would be a nightmare. How could anyone deal with amnesia? I'm amazed at how the author shows the importance of memory in forming our identity. He shows how memories are colored by perception and emotion. They are also influenced by our imagination. This is another important faculty that I have not considered as affecting one's identity. This story makes me realize how important it is to discern the right use of our imagination, but it affects memory which also affects who we are.I recommend this book to everyone who wants to understand all this. This book is therapeutic, because it shows how important it is remember things accurately and be able to communicate with others. I am not doing this subject justice, so I'll just say that the characters were so real that I felt like I was experiencing amnesia and recovery myself. Also, it is written brilliantly. The point of view is in the first person. It is disjointed and a little difficult to read at first. However, as he heals, the book gets better and better until it is absolutely beautiful. I can't really say what other readers will learn from it. I am confident that it will be better than what I have tried to explain and that it will be therapeutic. Read the book!

It is difficult to objectively critique The Fool of New York City, this fine, fine work. Like some of the characters, who appear as living beings in my very presence, I suffer from and am healed by a goodly number of all too similar maladies and circumstances they encounter. I wept at times, tears of self-revelation and renewed joy. You see, being objective about yourself remains a sensitive issue for most if not all of humanity.It is a MUST READ and I urge you, as the author would, to read it in its physical manifestation, don't wait for the convenience of Kindle. It’s important to handle and turn the physical pages as broken lives, like delicate parchment, pass through your hands and heart. Indeed, convenience can be a great obstacle to happiness (a minor but critical theme in the book).It is difficult to discuss even diminutive details without playing the Spoiler. It is one of the most truly Humane works I have encountered in some time. Michael D. O'Brien understands true Humanism and this book is a touchstone to a much larger world. I need a second reading after a few days and nights clear my mind and soul of its first rumination.The Fool of New York City is shorter than most of his works but no less full of cultural critical mass, gravitas and authentic hope.

I needed this book during a time of suffering. Simplicity and the power of love are on brilliant display. Thank you Transcendent One.

Few writers can match O'Brien's depictions of family trauma or the overpowering need for good fathers. This novel has the feel of a fable slowly being fleshed out until it is vividly alive. I wish more erstwhile Christian writers would look at O'Brien's body of work for a masterclass in how to convey truth without heavy-handed and didactic prose.