Christodora is a sweeping novel set mainly in New York City's East Village. Opening in the early 1980's, the chapters in it jump back and forth in time (until 2021) telling the stories of the main characters. It centers on two young artists, Milly and Jared, who make a home for themselves in the Christodora apartment building but Christodora is not only Milly and Jared's story. It also tells the stories of their adopted son, Matteo, and of Milly's family as well as recounting the stories of their friends and neighbours.
That's not all though, this powerful, sprawling story is also the story of the Aids Movement and it's activists, of the politics and policies of the 80's, of drug addiction and homelessness, as well as being a tale of the Downtown art scene, the East Village, and gentrification.
That's not all though, this powerful, sprawling story is also the story of the Aids Movement and it's activists, of the politics and policies of the 80's, of drug addiction and homelessness, as well as being a tale of the Downtown art scene, the East Village, and gentrification.
I know it's early days but Christodora may well be my Book of the Year!
I loved this engaging narrative and the characters in it. There are so many themes explored in this book which are dealt with expertly and the stories and topics are woven together brilliantly.
Altogether it's beautifully written and recounted.
I loved this book and am somewhat surprised that it hasn't received more publicity and plaudits.
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Highly recommended
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