Anker Frankoni

This is not your everyday novel. It's the story of a family through several generations, rich with imagination as well as actual facts. The writing is positively lyrical in places, with an occasional stumble that most readers may not even notice. The huge cast of characters may give some readers a sense now and then of not being quite sure where they are, but in large part this is intentional. As the author combs through his dysfunctional personal and family history, he includes us in his doubt, anguish and joy. We hear the meaningful tales he was (apparently) brought up on: truly fascinating glimpses into a culture most of us know too little about. How much of this is fact? How much fiction? As with most of our memories, it's hard to be sure.… (mere)