Spilling Clarence

A chemical spill at a pharmaceutical factory has a direct effect on the residents of Clarence, Minnesota. The Deletruim gas released in the air enhances the mind, unlocking long-forgotten memories."Spilling Clarence follows several Clarence residents as they simultaneously undergo a brief, intense drug-induced walk down memory lane. Their experiences are heartfelt, sometimes tragic, and often funny.Anne Ursu's novel is an impressive debut. Her characters are complex, yet easy to comprehend. The tone of the book coincides with the rise and fall of the residents' moods, letting readers come along for the Deletruim ride.The author's generous use of subtle humor adds to this unique story. It's hard to read "Spilling Clarence" without a smile on your face. It's sweet. It's sad. It's funny. It's good.

This novel is both emotionally and intellectually significant-a rare find! At the heart of the book is a chemical, deletrium, that escapes into the town of Clarence. People find themselves remembering things they've forgotten, and many of those memories are painful. The questions raised here are fascinating and central to a culture where Prozac in the water supply wouldn't be all that unbelievable. (Just a bit. Just until we can start shopping again.) I was especially impressed with the authority of Anne Ursu's prose-truly astonishing for a first novelist. She can guide us past the memory wars of the last twenty years, and make it look easy (!), without once losing sight of her characters. I've already given this book to two grad school friends. I wish I could rate this ten stars; it's that good.

What a find! A laugh-out-loud, cry-out-loud story, this rollicking, highly intelligent novel spins a tale of remembrance and love in the aftermath of a chemical spill. In the town of Clarence, characters you'd like for friends share heartbreak and hope as a mysterious vapor releases full recall of their triumphs and tragedies. With shimmering sentences, Anne Ursu creates an engaging, entrancing, and evocative world and explores the poignant nature of human relationships.One cautionary note: Unless you want to become acquainted with the person seated next to you -- do not read this book on public transportation.