Finny: A Novel
Summary
Justin Kramon’s debut novel, Finny, is a sweeping, enchanting voyage, an insightful story about a young woman’s complicated path to adulthood. We meet Finny Short as an observant, defiant fourteen-year-old who can’t make sense of her family’s unusual habits: Her mother offers guidance appropriate for a forty-year-old socialite; her father quotes Nietzsche over pancakes. Finny figures she’s stuck with this lonely lot until she meets Earl Henckel, a boy who comes from an even stranger place than she does. Unhappy with Finny’s budding romance with Earl, her parents ship her off to Thorndon boarding school. But mischief follows Finny as she befriends New York heiress Judith Turngate, a girl whose charm belies a disquieting reckless streak. Finny’s relationships with Earl and Judith open her up to dizzying possibilities of love and loss and propel her into a remarkable adventure spanning twenty years and two continents.
Justin Kramon has given us a wickedly funny odyssey with a moving and original love story at its core. Finny introduces us to an unforgettable heroine, a charmingly intricate world, and an uncommonly entertaining and gifted young novelist.
(Summary taken from BookBrowse)
My Review
This book was such a delightful surprise! This was the Slow Readers Book Club selection, so I had no idea what to expect going in. However, I was immediately charmed by the writing, the cast of quirky characters and interesting story of Delphine “Finny” Short. It’s a coming of age story that gets extended into adulthood. Even though I enjoyed reading about Finny’s younger years, I really bonded with the character later on in her life. It seemed like time flew by for Finny, which clearly captures the essence of life – one minute you’re a teen, the next you’re thrown into adulthood. Kramon did a wonderful job of allowing Finny, as well as the audience, to mature and develop as the story progressed. All his main character were so well written and I loved how there were no clear-cut good/bad people…just people going through life and doing the best that they can. My only complaint is that ending was a little predictable for my taste.
Closing Remarks: An easy to read and charming coming-of-age tale. No big A-Ha moments, but the beauty of this book is its simplicity!
Drink of Choice: A cup o’ Joe
Additional Information
Justin Kramon Official Website
