The Best Novel About NYC, Since "Christadora," By Tim Murphy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     The definition of "doxology" is "a liturgical formula of praise to God."  This novel may not be loaded with religiosity, but a spiritual quality emanates from it.

                                        It starts simply with three aspiring artists--Joe Harris, Pam Bailey, and Daniel Svoboda.  One of these characters is unfortunately killed a third of the way through the novel.

                                        All right--so stop reading here, if intending to read the book--it is Joe Harris, and the way he is killed, and that it is never brought to justice, bothered me a lot.  Pam and Daniel get married, and have a daughter, Flora.  But after losing Joe--and on 9/11--Pam and Joe think Flora might be better off being raised by Pam's parents out in the Midwest.  Flora grows into a young woman who, though more mainstream than her parents, is motivated by climate change and environmental protection, not artistic pursuits.

                                          Each issue is explored thoroughly by Nell Zink, with great objectivity. The period--or periods-- of life in New York are captured vividly, and with accuracy.  The emotional climate surrounding 9/11 is chronicled wonderfully.

                                           In the end, Flora turns out to be the heroine of the story, making choices for herself, while taking things ambiguously, regarding her personal relations.  There is great hope at the end, and a liturgical thread through Flora's seeking out comfort in the confines of a church, near her grandparents.

                                            "Doxology" is one of the best layered and written works of fiction I have read this year.  It was a pleasure, and may very well be a contender for the year's best.

                                              Watch out for it, and don't miss it, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!