Geek Love by Katherine Dunn is told from the perspective of a dwarf albino hunchback. She was purposefully conceived that way, to become a circus freak in her family's traveling circus act. The story, insane as it is, is so well told that amidst the tents and lions and saw dust and cooky characters, it is still completely comprehensive. Simply achieving this feat makes me bow to Ms. Dunn in literary awe. But it isn't just a story about the albino dwarf hunchback's childhood, it also simultaneously follows her present day, where she survives in Portland as a radio dj, taking care of those around her. The two stories never take away from one another or distract. I was never wishing to be in the past when I was in the present of vice versa. Presenting dueling stories that remain equally interesting is another literary task accomplished. And not only that.
THE STORY
The story is amazing. The characters are as solid as wood. The entire thing takes place before the reader's eyes, like a play on a stage. And at the end, Dunn has the reader feeling as though it was all her own history that she just learned about in the 300 pages. This story was masterfully woven, expertly told, and clearly written. If all books were this way, the world would be a better place.
5/5
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