In the Language of Love: A Novel in 100 Chapters
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
In this astonishingly inventive novel, Diane Schoemperlen uses the 100 stimulus words from the Standard Word Association Test as a narrative framework for exploring her heroine's growing understanding of the meaning of love. A tour de force of wit and wordplay, In the Language of Love is a wise and compassionate collage of one woman's coming of emotional age.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0670865176
ISBN13:9780670865178
Release Date:February 1996
Publisher:Viking
Length:368 Pages
Weight:1.55 lbs.
Dimensions:9.5" x 1.5" x 6.3"
Customer Reviews
4 ratings
Beautiful
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
I don't think another word can sum it up quite so perfectly. There are passages I find myself quoting to people (something I rarely do) because they are beyond eloquent. Although there isn't a typical plot, what you grasp/feel/understand about (the life of) Joanna is more than in most books that lead you from start to finish. A truly remarkable first novel and worthy of everyone's time.
An original and beautiful book.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
Although I found the structure (using the 100 words of the standard word association test IN ORDER) to be somewhat limiting, I have to admire Schoemperlen's inventiveness and facility with the English language. I think we might have had the same mother: some of the flashbacks to the protagonist's youth were astonishingly familiar and evoked sharp feelings. Do not miss reading this original and beautiful book.
exquisite book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
This is absolutely writing at it's most perfect. Not a plot-driven novel, but a beautiful character study, and writing simply does not get any better than this. Diane Schoemperlin is amazing. One of the best books I've read in some time.
An Astonishing Debut
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
A wonderful book through and through. I don't have much more to say besides "READ IT!!!!" You won't be disappointed. By the way, ignore Kirkus Reviews. They suck.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
