Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Net Galley for providing me with an e-galley of Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan in exchange for an honest review. I gave a lot of thought to the writing of this review. The Pulitzer prize-winning author obviously did extensive research for the writing of this book. The reader learns a great deal about the history of naval yards, the depression era, the second world war, merchant mariners etc. However, the body of the story seems disjointed. It is more an assortment of short stories, all linked to Anna Kerrigan, who is twelve years old at the start of the novel. Anna is very close to her father Eddie, who takes her with him for business meetings. It is during one such meeting that Dexter Styles is introduced as an important person in her father's business life. Years later, after her father disappears without a trace, Anna becomes the family breadwinner. How this young woman lives her life during a very difficult period of history is covered in the rest of the novel. I learned a great deal while reading Manhattan Beach but it left me wanting to know more about the interactions of the characters. Recommended for history buffs.

“After stretching the boundaries of fiction in myriad ways ... Egan does perhaps the only thing left that could surprise: she writes a thoroughly traditional novel. Realistically detailed, poetically charged and utterly satisfying: apparently there’s nothing Egan can’t do.” Kirkus I love that comment from the Kirkus review. It’s so true … after the innovation and originality of Goon Squad what COULD Egan do next?? Typical historical fiction, I guess … although there is nothing typical about Manhattan Beach. Though I admit I preferred the creativity and novelty of Goon Squad, I loved Manhattan Beach as well. The characters were fabulously multifaceted and well drawn. The story truly engaging. And the prose, dazzling and powerful. What can I say? Read it!

Kindle Copy for Review from Net Galley

Story of Anna Kerrigan a twelve year who meets a man named Dexter Styles who she will later meet on during the Depression when she accompanies her father to his house. She interacts with his children and watched his uniform servants in his opulent house. There is an odd relationship between them, as they are in debt to him for their financial survival.

We watch Anna become the first female diver at the Brooklyn Navy Yard to support her mother and her disable younger sister. It is a dangerous job.

She finds herself at a night club as she once again meets Dexter Styles. She has not seen him since her father disappearance. Did he have anything to do with her dad disappearance or did he not have anything to do with it?

An interesting read about organied crime during the Depression.

Manhattan Beach is a wonderfully written & thoughtfully researched historical novel. I think this will make an excellent book club pick! (I reviewed this on Goodreads)