Mercy by Joan SilberGratitude
Thank you to Montgomery County Public Libraries for making Mercy by Joan Silber readily available to the public at no cost.Description
Mercy is a novel in stories, which begins with a betrayal between friends. This event impacts the lives of others, which then has an impact on those around them.The book begins with Ivan, now an adult with a family, who in his younger days had a close friendship with Eddie. When Ivan must save Eddie from danger, he makes a decision that darkens his sense of self for the rest of his life.
When Ivan’s story ends, we move on to the next character, who was also affected by Ivan’s choice. Throughout the book and with each character’s story, we see how one choice leads to another in ever greater concentric circles.
Would I Teach This Book?
Would I teach Mercy? Joan Silber writes vibrant, quirky stories. Her prose is never lazy or lagging–even her descriptions carry the stories forward and add momentum. Each of the voices in the book are unique and feel as though a different character is narrating. The interwoven stories are both distinct and could be told independently, while at the same time informing each other and adding to their strength. 
Within each story, a character narrates broad sweeps of their lives, pausing at moments of great import and assessing how one person’s inability to bravely stand up for another is felt for the rest of their lives.
Yes, I would teach Mercy, I would readily teach any of Silber’s books. I will forever be indebted to Lorrie Moore for introducing Silber’s work to me. Of course, I owe more debt to Lorrie for teaching me while I was in graduate school, but as they say, give credit where credit is due.
View all my reviews
