"The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" by Michael Chabon

Often regarded as being the pinnacle of Michael Chabon’s work, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is an amazingly-diverse story which begins in New York, 1939, right at the beginning of the Second World War, when an escape artist with his magician friend, Joe Kavalier, arrive on the doorstep of Sammy Clay, Kavalier's cousin. 

Even though Hitler is leaving his mark of hatred on chaos on Europe, things are quite different in America as the comic book craze is taking over everyone by storm… and Sammy seems to have an idea for how to make some money on it.

As you could have probably guess from the title, Sammy finds Kavalier to be the perfect partner for his scheme, especially considering how artistically gifted the latter is. From there on out their adventure begins, and even though it revolves around how the two boys spin the tales of the heroic and fascist-killing escapist and the charmingly mysterious lady, Luna Moth, what they learn from it extends far beyond that. 

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon (Book cover)

From a dark corner in Brooklyn the boys manage to find their way all the way to the top of the Empire State Building, with nothing but their determination keeping them going.

There is a reason as to why this novel is heralded as an unforgettable classic by so many; in addition to the core story being interesting and easy to follow, there is a real study in this book about not only going from rags to riches while overcoming adversity and friendship… it is a study of what is considered to be American spirit; never back down and do what it takes to get to the top. It’s a look into why America was (and probably still is) seen by many as "the land of opportunity". 

All in all this book has a clever story, deep character studies, some very interesting themes, without forgetting a style which only Michael Chabon, one of America’s greatest writers, could bring to life.

Michael Chabon (May 24, 1963)

Michael Chabon


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Without a shadow of a doubt one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century, Michael Chabon seems to have always had a knack for dishing out deep, meaningful and inspiring bestsellers, as was the case with The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.

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