31 Hours, by Masha Hamilton
When Carol Meitzner wakes up in the middle of the night she is as sure as anything that her son, Jonas, is in danger. Even though she tries to keep calm and give her 21-year old a healthy amount of space in which to live his life and make his own decisions, in the back of her mind she knows that it’s not like him to be out of touch with her. She just knows that she has to get to him. Carol does the best she can to keep her fear in check and to make discrete inquiries into Jonas’ possible whereabouts, but what she doesn’t know is that she only has 31 hours to find him. Or else…
Jonas has always been reserved and sensitive; even as a child he was observant and deeply affected by his interactions with the world. Now, in some undisclosed location in New York City, Jonas is preparing to make a statement in a manner that he believes is the only way to make a difference in a world that is too callous, cruel and hypocritical to meet the needs of its citizens.
There is really something to be said for opening up a book when you are able to give it your full attention. When I first cracked this one open I was in a hotel room in Washington, DC for the National Book Festival, whooping it up with roomies Trish and Amy and definitely not in the frame of mind for a book that would require my full attention. Unfocused, I read the first few pages and saw wolves howling and Manhattan traffic and thought, “Huh? Don’t know if I will like this.” Boy was I wrong.
I picked this book back up once I had returned to NYC and could concentrate, started again from the beginning and I could not put this one down! I would try to move on to something else but somehow just a short time later I would find myself with book in hand. It’s a little novel that through snapshot portrayals examines 31 hours in the lives of not only Jonas and his mother, but also those most likely to be affected by his final acts- his girlfriend Vic, and her sister Mara among them. The novel powerfully moves right into the heart of each character in the present moment and reveals their dreams, aspirations and fears, all the while giving a glimpse into the history they have with each other and how it is has shaped their lives.
The characterizations are some of the strongest I have seen, and for this particular novel they were heart wrenching. Hamilton does an excellent job of portraying Jonas’s parents- one struggling between what might be irrational fear or intuition, and the other believing that their son is growing into a man and just needs his space. The book does an excellent job of exploring different issues facing the characters without being judgmental or preachy. Troubled marriages and questions of faith and religion are put forth to be examined, but are not framed as indictments so much as they are presented as the facts of each family’s situation. I loved seeing the nuances and complexities in all their situations. The character of Sonny Hirt in particular opened me up to a different perspective on freedom and the incredible assumptions that we make about the way all of us should live and function. It was very interesting to see another way.
31 Hours, by Masha Hamilton is a wonderfully written book examining the possibilities behind some of the unknowable facets which drive human behavior and how much we can truly know about one another and the actions of which we are capable. Ultimately it is a haunting reminder of how much each moment and hour of the act of living is an act of trust, and how the fragility of our existence is so quickly and easily unraveled.
Read More Reviews At:
23 Responses to “31 Hours, by Masha Hamilton”
Comments
Read below or add a comment...
Leave A Comment...
I’m Reading
Licensing Info
Your review is spectacular! I think we had many of the same feelings/emotions about this book! Rarely does a book affect me like this one!
Julie P.´s last blog ..Fall Festival Recipe Exchange
I still think about the characters and how real they were. And what happened with each of them. I need a sequel!
I would love to have seen you and Amy and Trish “whooping it up!” I know y’all had a great time! Your review of this book is just perfect – you got everything just right. I’m still thinking about 31 Hours.
Kathy´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday
It’s always fun to get together with other bloggers. We talked so much and mostly about books and then tv, and then more books.
This one is sticking with me as well. I still think about all the characters.
Compelling all the way through, this book was impossible to put down once you reached …31 Hours, by Masha Hamilton http://www.linussblanket.com/2009/10/31-...
@NicoleBo What a fantastic review! Thank you!
It is amazing how certain books suit us at different times. This does sound good and very fast paced..
vivienne´s last blog ..Monday Mailbox
I think that’s why I will put a book aside and give it a few chances before I decide not to ever read it. Mood and what you’re doing can play into that a lot.
The reviews of this one have been glowing…and that book trailer! It made me all tense and nervous just watching it! I definitely need to get my hands on this one soon.
Sandy´s last blog ..Monday Movie Meme – True Romance
This one really appealed to what I like to read. Well drawn and believable characters a well constructed plot and the suspense was just perfect. Hope you enjoy it!
Great review! And I too was particularly taken with Sonny Hirt and the choices he made.
Beth F´s last blog ..Fall Festival Recipe Exchange: Spiced Cider
I think I really got Sonny before anyone else fell into place for me. His perspective was a bit f a wake-up.
Wonderful review, Nicole! I agree that Hamilton isn’t judgmental or preachy, a good point I neglected to mention. So glad you stuck with it in an environment better suited to reading this intense book.
Dawn – She is Too Fond of Books´s last blog ..Winners of *The Listeners* by Gloria Whelan
I know. I usually will give a book a few tries until I decide that it’s not right for me. Mood and distractions can play a huge part in whether it’s the right time to read a particular book. This isn’t a light hearted book, and I was in a very silly mood with the girls. I couldn’t even understand deep or heavy.
Great review!
I was overwhelmed by the insight 31 Hours gave me into the minds of the characters, and how all the separate pieces fit together.
This is a book that is staying with me.
Laura @ I’m Booking It´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday
I just read your review Laura and I will add it here. I agree that it definitely gets you into the feelings of each of the characters, and while you don’t condone everyone’s actions there is some understanding, which is very important. This book has definitely stayed with me!
Sounds like a great book and I’m imagining it would make a great movie also!
Kathleen´s last blog ..Bob Dylan, San Francisco, and not much reading!
In theory it probably would, but I am always afraid for good books in the hands of Hollywood.
The more I read about this book, the more I want to read it. It sounds like such a powerful book. Thanks for the great review.
Literary Feline´s last blog ..Monday At the Movies: The Invention of Lying
It seems I really will have to read this book! I’ve seen a couple great reviews and I’m intrigued. You review make it sound like a strong read.
Wow, great review! While I didn’t love it, I think you captured a lot of what was great about it.
S. Krishna´s last blog ..Every Last Cuckoo – Kate Maloy