Joshua Ferris’ second novel is quite a bit different from his hit debut, “Then We Came to the End” – not as much dark humor, and gets right down to the serious stuff much more quickly. I enjoyed it very much though! The prose is incredibly beautiful with surprising but apt descriptions, although sometimes falls prey to the sophomore curse of trying too hard. The first half, especially, could’ve used a bit more vigorous editing.
Thematically, the book is very thought-provoking. I think the Unnamed Element after which the book is named should’ve been slightly more defined by the end of the book – while I appreciate that Ferris wanted It left open for each reader to identify, I think the story needs more of a hint as to what It is for the central character.
I do heartily recommend this book, though! Good entry into the tradition of Journey novels.
I’m about halfway through three or four other books, so I’m not sure which will be my next official title. Between graduate applications and a demanding job application, it’s been a busy week; I’ve been more of a word producer than consumer.