I’ve been so entranced by this book’s lingerings that I’ve added, maybe for this one time only, “halves” to my rating system. This book gets 4.5 stars. Update: I’ve rethought the 1/2 star thing. This book gets 4 stars.
Epic. That’s what this book is. So the plot is extraordinarily hard to encapsulate. At it’s most basic level, this is the story of Caelum Quirk – his past, his present, and his future. It starts out in the days before the shootings at Columbine High School and ends in about 2008-ish – post-Katrina anyway. And there are flashbacks and ancestors! (In fact, I would have found this chart very helpful. Minor spoilers included.) This book is interestingly contemporary and historical and, at the same time, timeless and fictional.
I think Wally Lamb has come a long way as an author. I read She’s Come Undone several years ago and was turned off by its luridness. The Hour I First Believed is deeper, more reflective. The character development was enthralling. The writing was seamless. And Lamb used some interesting techniques to mix things up: emails, excerpts from journals, letters, newspaper articles, and even a Ph.D dissertation. I really appreciated the effort of this book. Something about it resonated with me. I’ll likely read it again. This book would likely appeal to both Lamb’s loyal followers and to readers who like spralling saga. I know I do.
The Hour I First Believed, by Wally Lamb 
Other Reviews:
Booking Mama
Fizzy Thoughts
Open Mind, Insert Book
Buy The Hour I First Believed: A Novel
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{ 14 comments }
This sounds like something I would really enjoy. “Epic” …how can I resist. I’m afraid to open the chart for the spoilers but it sounds like maybe it’s a good idea to do so.
Thanks for the informative review :)
I’m really looking forward to reading this one.
I finished The Hour I First Believed a few weeks ago. Although I love Wally Lamb’s work, I have to admit that I was disappointed with this book.
I adored She’s Come Undone and I Know This Much is True. Like the protagonists in his two earlier works, Caelum Quirk is also a flawed, raw character. But something about him just didn’t do it for me. Anyone who has read Wally Lamb before knows that he doesn’t exercise brevity, but The Hour I First Believed was way too long. I grew very bored in places because the story just seemed to drag on and on. I did think that it was interesting though, how he weaved in references to the characters in I Know This Much is True. I was more excited about the storyline before I read the book. Maybe my expectations were too high after Lamb’s first two books, but I was definitely disappointed.
I’ve never attempted Lamb, for reasons not unlike yours. Might have to check him out this time around.
Wonderful review Jessica! This book is on my TBR. I really like She’s Come Undone.
I presented you with a blog award on my Sunday Salon Post.
Sheri
A Novel Menagerie
Oh my, epic. I’m not going to be able to avoid this one forever.
What. Now thebluestockings.com is using halves on their star ratings? What next? AIG will stop asking for more money? I’m completely confused and unsure is happening here.
Unsure OF WHAT is happening here. Ugh. I need to stop commenting so late at night.
I have this one on my shelf. I’ve read nothing but good reviews of it – thanks for yours!
I’ll be moving this to the top of my TBR list because of you. Thanks!
I will be putting this one on my list because of your lovely review!
MEET WALLY LAMB:
God’s Love We Deliver is hosting the 6th Annual Authors in Kind Literary Luncheon at the Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom in New York on Thursday, April 23, 2009. Come meet guest authors Wally Lamb, William D. Cohan, and Giulia Melucci and watch acclaimed legal expert Linda Fairstein as Master of Ceremonies. Each guest will receive a complimentary signed copy of one of the author’s books, and all titles will be available for purchase and signing at 11:30am prior to the 12:00 luncheon. For more information contact Susan Oher at (212) 294-8162 or aik@glwd.org.
Anyone who’s ever been a victim or witness of a violent crime can identify with this book. Life hits a “restart” button on the date of the event. It redefines your life so suddenly that unless you’re able to handle it, the chaos theory applies to everyone involved. Everything around you is affected. He has beautifully addressed things in a way that I find therapeutic in healing and understanding the hows and whys. I highlight and re-read sometimes. It’s not an uplifting book, but a discovery tool for those who can relate. Well done Mr. Lamb.
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