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Blame

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"Blame" by Michelle Huneven is a gripping novel that delves into the consequences of a woman named Patsy who gets black out drunk and accidentally kills two people. The story follows Patsy's journey through guilt, prison life, and her struggles to reintegrate into society after serving her term. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, complex characters like Joey, Brice, Patsy, and Gilles, and explores themes of redemption, self-punishment, and the impact of past mistakes on one's present life. The author's writing style is praised for its character development, realistic portrayal of prison life, and the way it seamlessly weaves in deep themes like the start of the HIV virus and the complexities of human relationships.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and memorable, with each showcasing significant growth and depth throughout the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and introspective, focusing on character development and emotional resonance.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a woman's DUI accident and explores the complex repercussions and personal transformations that follow.

Setting:

The contemporary setting grounds the narrative in relatable real-life challenges and consequences.

Pacing:

The pacing balances careful character development with moments of brisk progression, particularly toward the ending.

Notes:

Michelle Huneven creates memorable characters like Patsy, Joey, and Brice.
The plot is based on a relatable and realistic accident involving a drunk driver.
The story explores the aftermath of a tragic event and its consequences on the protagonist's life.
Patsy's character development shows her struggle with guilt and her attempt to punish herself.
Huneven subtly references the gay community and the beginning of the HIV virus.
The novel has a surprising twist towards the end that adds depth to the story.
The author balances heavier themes with moments of comic relief.
The ending ties up loose ends without being overly neat or happy.
Cal's character serves as a fascinating study in neediness and support.
Patsy is introduced through the perspective of a character who later becomes significant to the plot.
Characters in the story often reappear unexpectedly, surprising the reader.
The author was praised for her ability to develop characters in unexpected ways.
The book includes a narrative structure that helped the reviewer understand characters deeply after studying it for class.
The absence of quotation marks in dialogue was a noted irritation for some readers, affecting the reading flow.
Overall, the novel is well-written and appreciated for its depth, character development, and polished narrative.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of alcoholism, death, guilt, and emotional trauma.

From The Publisher:

Michelle Huneven, Richard Russo once wrote, is "a writer of extraordinary and thrilling talent." That talent explodes with her third book, Blame, a spellbinding novel of guilt and love, family and shame, sobriety and the lack of it, and the moral ambiguities that ensnare us all.

The story: Patsy MacLemoore, a history professor in her late twenties with a brand-new Ph.D. from Berkeley and a wild streak, wakes up in jail-yet again-after another epic alcoholic blackout. "Okay, what'd I do?" she asks her lawyer and jailers. "I really don't remember." She adds, jokingly: "Did I kill someone?"

In fact, two Jehovah's Witnesses, a mother and daughter, are dead, run over in Patsy's driveway. Patsy, who was driving with a revoked license, will spend the rest of her life-in prison, getting sober, finding a new community (and a husband) in AA-trying to atone for this unpardonable act.

Then, decades later, another unimaginable piece of information turns up.

For the reader, it is an electrifying moment, a joyous, fall-off-the-couch-with-surprise moment. For Patsy, it is more complicated. Blame must be reapportioned, her life reassessed. What does it mean that her life has been based on wrong assumptions? What can she cleave to? What must be relinquished?

When Huneven's first novel, Round Rock, was published, Valerie Miner, in the Los Angeles Times Book Review, celebrated Huneven's "moral nerve, sharp wit and uncommon generosity." The same spirit electrifies Blame. The novel crackles with life-and, like life, can leave you breathless.

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