Seven Types of Ambiguity Reviews

I had stumbled across this book through Amazon’s “recommendations” that they give customers. That was probably two years ago. I found it interesting, so I put in on my wish list, and months later deleted it. I saw it later at Costco and almost picked it up. Finally, for some reason, two months ago I had an urge to search out the book again. I found it at Amazon for a bargain price and quickly bought it. I’m so glad I gave into the urge.

There are references to Empson’s “Seven Types of Ambiguity” in the book, mostly through Simon who is a teacher of literature and poetry. And there are other references to ambiguity in general that probably coincide with Empson’s theories, but turning them to life instead of poetry. But to be honest, I just didn’t see how they effected the story, or missed some of those references. The biggest reason why was being too involved in the story to really care. To me, this is a very engrossing story.

The different points of view was a great way to layout the telling of the story. It showed some guts in my opinion. I would think that it’s very hard to voice so many characters, but then have each one be a first-person narrative for sections of the book. Perlman doesn’t do too bad of a job at it either. However, it just isn’t all that cut and dry. The first chapter is Dr. Alex Klima’s first person, but he is strictly talking to Anna and pretty much only speaks of Simon’s feelings for her and his life after their break-up. You actually find out nothing about Alex in this section. Alex also is a main contributor to Dennis’ section, as all the chapters key on his sessions with the Alex.

The story in some ways is far-fetched. All of these people are so linked to one another it makes your head spin. Almost like a soap opera. But the writing style, prose, and language of those involved, along with the depth of character gives so much more. Another strength is seeing how these relationships effect each other and their actions and vice versa. And re-reading events through another’s point of view added realism, how some see something as very little, and yet some one else sees it as something big. The points of view also gave you different looks at the characters. Especially of Simon. He is seen very differently through the eyes of Anna, as compared to Angelique, as compared to Alex. You get this with most of the characters. This does add a bit of a problem however, trying to figure out who is a better judge of character.

Some reviews I have read have pointed out the flaws of the writing. I missed many of them because the story was so well told and so very interesting. Perlman never gives you more facts then you need to know. He made it into a read page turner. That’s saying something for a book that clocks in at over 600 pages. There were times too when he sounded off about issues or subjects, using the characters voice, in which some reviewers disliked. To me even these parts were well handled and rather seamless. It didn’t seem like Perlman was using it as a platform for his opinions or ideals. They were just part of the story.

It’s a big book, but readers shouldn’t let that scare them. Once I read those opening chapters I didn’t want to put it down. I think that many readers would feel the same way.