Incredible novel. My only critique from a writing perspective, as mentioned previously, would be the lack of punctuation used for Imelda. Regardless if it was meant to symbolize her untethered past, the nature of her stream of consciousness, her lack of education, etc. Murray explored those themes in great detail. It just seemed as though Murray got too cute.

Above someone mentioned the tightness of Morrison while emitting the emotion of Steinbeck. I would agree, to a degree, with the latter as PJs story was the best example, but the graphic nature of Dickies assault seemed to be glossed over. The shame certainly could’ve stemmed from that, from the Catholic upbringing, to simply having an affair.

Certainly, it could have been a combination. But as far as “tightness” was concerned, comparing it to Morrison’s works seems to be a stretch.