Joshua Ferris, Then We Came to the End: what think?

[Bink]

As, although Books Etc. said, blankly, "what? - no, that's not on our inventory", it seems to be selling well. And getting thoughtful reviews.

Some of it, so far, to me, seems unprecedently interesting. Is there another book written (largely) in the first person plural? - and, if so, does it seem like a gimmick? or as if that is the only possible truth & absolutely the heart-of-the-point? (the latter being what I think Ferris pulls off: mass psychology speaks - and is funny [bonus])

I have yet to see what I think about the non-first-person-plural bits.

Anyone else reading this?

I am - in fact I suggested it for the MN book club. Actually, I haven't got very far (have small baby...), and I'm still undecided about that first person plural. It seems like it might get rather irritating after a while. But some of it is very funny, and it's definitely making me throw up my hands in horror at the thought of returning to work. I like the way the characters are so absorbed in something that they hate, iyswim - the photoshopping of the missing girl poster made me lol, in a slightly horrified way.

I am glad someone else is reading this!
Am I right that it has been oddly non-promoted? How did you find out about it?

I'm into the next bit, which is more conventionally told, & not so impressed. Actually, I'm not sure why he is doing this bit. (I'm being vague so as not to spoil.) Perhaps it will come clear. I want the office back.

There are some real gems of deadpan in the earlier section - the precision of what it was that was smelling in Joe Pope's office, the description of what Joe Pope's attempt to be sociable actually felt like to his subordinates, the scene where they're gossiping in someone's office and her new door arrives. And Benny Shassburger's dad.

I can't remember - think I read about it in one of the Sundays. Apparently it's been a huge success in the States. I expect Richard and Judy will be onto it soon!