The Last Romantics

The book was so close to connecting with me emotionally but failed, due to not focusing enough time on characters and the general framing of the story not being developed enough. It's obvious that Conklin is going for a Woolf-type of structure with characters being connected through a death that affects them all, but the framing is too erratic to truly enhance the themes in the way that Woolf does. The attempt to juggle many themes across a large timeframe is intriguing but doesn't ever feel developed enough. I do like how Conklin actually tries to reach for that goal, despite the general sense of wasted opportunity. I prefer an author trying to aim high rather than just stick to detached prose and a straightforward narrative.