The Gunners: A Novel

I liked it. But... its... “thin” is the word that comes to me. Simple, pretty, pleasant, diverting, but ultimately not substantial. It feels like more of a sketch than a novel. Sure, you see development in (some of) the characters. But it IS in a sort of trite, pop psychology, sort of way. And there are just too many heavy-handed “throw-ins” — you know, the friends incidental talk about finding out one thing about somebody that can totally change your view of them. And then, gee wiz, if you don’t see this happen. Multiple times. Look... it was cute. It was even at times touching. I didn’t DISlike it. But this book is no masterpiece of writing. It’s a simple book, written simply, that’s an easy read.

Thank you so much to Counterpoint Press for providing my free copy of THE GUNNERS by Rebecca Kauffman - all opinions are my own. Mikey Callahan and his childhood friends Alice, Sally, Lynn, Jimmy, and Sam make up a group called The Gunners, named after a surname found on the side of a mailbox outside of an abandoned house where they spend their time. They are inseparable for a time but eventually all go their separate ways. Then one day news hits that Sally has committed suicide. The story is written in third person narrative from childhood to adulthood, alternating between past and present. Although it starts out mainly from Mikey’s perspective, as you read further you are introduced to the perspectives of the other characters. Alice is by far the most charismatic of the group. She’s clever and has a sharp tongue and helps to bring Mikey out of his shell. The writing style pulls you in, with a steady pace, vivid descriptions and character development. It reminds me a little of Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You, not the story itself but the overall feeling. The story really starts to take off when we learn more about the group and individual relationship dynamics, and when a number of secrets are revealed. A particular jaw-dropping moment is only surprising because of the novel’s structure, which I found delightful. The writing is brilliant, eloquent, and captivating with a very impactful ending.

The is book was okay. It wasn't bad, it was average. I kept waiting for something to happen that never did. My only real problem with this book is the fact religion was put in a negative light. I'm really sick of authors including this one putting a negative spin on religion.

The story moves from present to past as this group of childhood friends meet over the years. The author develops the character of each friend with insight and compassion. They are very different from each other and have followed different paths but they come together at various times with ease and caring and with the ability to share their innermost secrets and pain.

Oh, my heart. This book really snuck up on me. It reminded me of a 80s movie, like The Big Chill or The Breakfast Club or IT without the horror parts. They call themselves The Gunners, a group of childhood friends who, in spite of being very different, become bonded at a young age. Years later, when they’re all in their early 30s, they reunite when a member of the group commits suicide. Over the course of this short novel, we come to know each of The Gunners through their weekend together at Sally’s funeral and flashbacks to their childhood. They harbor lifelong secrets, each convinced that they were somehow responsible for driving Sally away years earlier. The story focuses primarily on Mikey—lonely, depressed, and suffering from early onset macular degeneration. He’s the only one of The Gunners (aside from the long-estranged Sally) who has stayed behind in their blue-collar upstate New York town. Kauffman’s writing is simple, yet exquisitely observant and detailed in a way that sort of stuns you with humor and poignancy. The characters are rich and vibrant, their inner lives and internal struggles relatable and meaningful. I really loved this novel, and feel genuinely touched by its beauty and sincerity.

I never got into this novel fully. It was easy for me to skim and get the gist. Too much minutia. It was like a generational check off: abortion, teenage sex,drugs, divorce, gay, lesbian, lies.

This novel has been compared to The Big Chill and The Breakfast Club. I totally agree! Friends from grade school come together for the funeral of Sally, one of their "members" who went off the grid years ago and no one really knows why. But of course when they begin sharing their stories, things clarify as secrets are revealed and relationships are questioned and solidified. Told in past and present narratives the novel slowly and carefully examines their friendships, their weaknesses, and ultimately, their strengths and love for each other. This is one of those books that's both heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time! Yes, a little bit of ugly crying at the end, but those of us who've lived through a range of emotions/relationships/hardships/friendships...will appreciate this novel for sure!

I devoured The Gunners but it has taken me several days to write a review because I am still reeling from all the feelings wrapped up in this book. In short, Kauffman's prose is stunning. She weaves the stories of her characters through the past and present perfectly. There are moments you will read again and again (especially in the last 50 or so pages!), not because they are difficult. But because they are so impactful. Her dialogue perfectly flows from being quippy and hilarious to vulnerable and heartfelt. At it's core, the story shows how memories and assumptions can define the direction our lives take without us knowing. But Kaufmann assures us that friendship and different kinds of love will smooth our edges and fill in the gaps we are left with if you are open to them. I have found myself going back and flipping through passages just to be with these characters again, and to feel the love and compassion that swirls out of this book. And seriously. The last paragraph. You will not be disappointed. I am planning to read this again very soon.

L'idea di base del romanzo non era particolarmente originale ma poteva essere riservare particolari sorprese: un gruppo di amici del liceo che non si vedono da parecchi anni si riuniscono dopo la misteriosa morte di una di loro, tra l'altro proprio colei che aveva portato all'allontanamento del gruppo. Con la reunion degli amici, il libro promette una serie di plot twist che ribalteranno totalmente la situazione iniziale, svelando misteri che i ragazzi si erano portati dietro da anni. Purtroppo lo stile di scrittura è piuttosto asciutto e sbrigativo, quindi ogni segreto svelato risulta essere deludente e mal articolato. Nessun plot twist è particolarmente scioccante e vengono aperte storie che poi non vengono portate a termine. Non si capisce il motivo della morte della ragazza, perché si è allontanata, non viene data nessuna spiegazione su gran parte degli avvenimenti che accadono. Sembra che l'autrice voglia mettere nella trama una serie di avvenimenti forti ma che poi non li sappia raccontare.

Sad, deep, melancholic, very well writen. The characters make you want to hold them all and tell them "everything will be ok".

The Gunner House と呼ばれる空き家に集合しては遊んでいた男女6人組。無邪気な集まりも思春期になると秘密ができたり、力関係が複雑になり、high school 卒業後はメールで時々連絡を取り合うだけの関係に。30代になり仲間のひとりが亡くなり葬儀に出席したことから再び残った5人の友情が動き出す。あの時は言えなかったこと、親しいからこそ伝えられなかったこと、大人になったから理解できること、後半は「告白ごっこ｣がてんこ盛り。Kindleセールでわずか￥283で購入したので十分満足。

One of the greatest books I've read in years. Rebecca Kauffman is one to watch out for.