In the Language of Love: A Novel in 100 Chapters

by Diane Schoemperlen

Book Overview

In this astonishingly inventive novel, Diane Schoemperlen uses the 100 stimulus words from the Standard Word Association Test as a narrative framework for exploring her heroine's growing understanding of the meaning of love. A tour de force of wit and wordplay, In the Language of Love is a wise and compassionate collage of one woman's coming of emotional age.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670865176
• ISBN13: 9780670865178
• Release Date: February 1996
• Publisher: Viking
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.5" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful

I don't think another word can sum it up quite so perfectly. There are passages I find myself quoting to people (something I rarely do) because they are beyond eloquent. Although there isn't a typical plot, what you grasp/feel/understand about (the life of) Joanna is more than in most books that lead you from start to finish. A truly remarkable first novel and worthy of everyone's time.

An original and beautiful book.

Although I found the structure (using the 100 words of the standard word association test IN ORDER) to be somewhat limiting, I have to admire Schoemperlen's inventiveness and facility with the English language. I think we might have had the same mother: some of the flashbacks to the protagonist's youth were astonishingly familiar and evoked sharp feelings. Do not miss reading this original and beautiful book.

exquisite book

This is absolutely writing at it's most perfect. Not a plot-driven novel, but a beautiful character study, and writing simply does not get any better than this. Diane Schoemperlin is amazing. One of the best books I've read in some time.

An Astonishing Debut

A wonderful book through and through. I don't have much more to say besides "READ IT!!!!" You won't be disappointed. By the way, ignore Kirkus Reviews. They suck.