"The Imperfectionists"

Wow! Who is Tom Rachman, and how did he learn to write so well? Granted, he has been a journalist for some years, but "The Imperfectionists" (Dial, 2010) is his first published novel, and it shows amazing control of his material. It builds on some classic topics and themes -- most notably that of the American abroad -- but it is highly original and most compelling. There is not one main character; instead there are many, all connected by being somehow involved with an international newspaper owned by Americans but published in Rome. There are reporters, editors, owners, stringers, spouses and partners, and one lovable dog. Each chapter focuses on one character, but brings in other characters from other chapters. The story ranges over a period of 50 years, and although dates are given, it is sometimes hard to keep track of whose story overlaps whose. Each chapter is a mini-masterpiece. Each character is vivid and illuminated through carefully etched, generous portraits, yet not a word is wasted. A common theme is that of people who stumble into a job and a life and somehow get in a rut it is psychologically hard to escape. Rachman obviously knows this setting and material inside out, not surprising since he also worked for an international newspaper in Paris and was a correspondent in Rome. But the novel goes far beyond the facts, deep into the lives and souls of the characters. Highly recommended.