Nat'l Bk Nom. FATES and FURIES by Lauren Groff

FATES and FURIES is a dazzling literary novel that shimmers with the genius of Faulkner, Joyce &  Shakespeare while spinning a tale of a young, golden couple whose world is their oyster.  Mathilde and Lancelot (Lotto) are drawn together the moment their eyes lock the last week of college, They marry before graduation and remain a couple despite the outlandish odds.  To thine own self be true: "She never lied. Just never said."  How does a person truly know the another?  One is never sure where the storytelling is headed.  There are multiple narratives that break off into fissures that spin into the future, fold backwards and speak directly to the reader.  Groff's writing style is reason enough to appreciate why she received a Nat'l Book Award nomination.  Yet, there are many interesting & unexpected twists and reveals to keep you immersed in this tale.  There will be times when you will become overwhelmed or submerged in miasma .  FATES is laden with erudite literary references. Groff's creative writing places her among the elite.  What is the difference between tragedy & comedy?  "There's no difference. It's a question of perspective."