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The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
(2011, Random House)

A dear friend picked up The Imperfectionists for me and the act demonstrated the depths of our friendship.  The Imperfectionists was written by a disillusioned journalist who wanted to write fiction.  There are more than a few Tom Rachman’s out there – I’m not quite one, but almost! The Imperfectionists endured a bidding war for the book, and later for the film (which Brad Pitt won).  Keep in mind, this was Tom Rachman’s debut.  Obviously, Rachman’s real-life story inspires me.  Immensely.

But what about the book?  For those who don’t know, The Imperfectionists contains separate but intertwined stories anchored around a fictional English-language newspaper in Rome.  In each chapter, a different character’s tale is told.  What makes the book so wonderful is that regardless of whether Rachman tells the tale of an old or young, male or female, sane or insane character, he seems to do it so genuinely that you can’t help but be drawn in.  It’s not a happy book.  But it leaves you feeling that you’ve witnessed a great story and great writing. 

The book is structured similarly to Maeve Binchy’s Whitethorn Woods.  Both books are structured in the form of mini stories that are tied together very quickly at the end.  Both revisit characters who have given their stories elsewhere in the book.  Both contain characters with flaws that really bother you, characters who you want to help and others you just despise.  And both books are indulgent reads.

Is it chick lit?  I don’t see why not.  It’s got stories focused on relationships and careers.  It’s got strong female protagonists.  The Imperfectionists is great writing and a worthwhile read.  I didn’t want it to end.