The Art of Disappearing

After Mel Snow, the engaging protagonist of Ivy Pochoda's "The Art of Disappearing," marries stage magician-cum-authentic conjurer Toby Warring in a quickie Vegas ceremony, this gem of a debut unfurls seductively, asking some big questions along the way: how do we let go of that which cannot return, and, perhaps more importantly, how do we remain connected to other people when they can disappear so easily in the first place? It's not easy. As Mel puts it, "It was hard, I learned, to create an engaging routine out of absence--out of the phone that didn't ring, the mail that didn't come, the empty bedroom that never creaked" (p. 220). Like her husband, Mel has magic of her own: a textile designer, she has her own relationship with her craft that enters numinous territory. From the claustrophobic casinos of Las Vegas to the romantic and haunted canals of Amsterdam, the author deftly conveys the physical and emotional landscapes of her star-crossed lovers, and the power struggle that follows them, even as they seek solace. Though the novel is poetical in terms of language and sensibility, it consistently utilizes, explores, and then explodes conventional means of storytelling, akin to Zafon's The Shadow of the Wind. There are shades of Hitchcock as well--not so much The Lady Vanishes as Vertigo--insofar as nothing truly disappears forever, only returning in different form. It's the rare book that gets better as you go, and I'm looking forward to Pochoda's next. Highly recommended!

I loved this book - an unusual love story. This novel features Mel, a textile artist who falls in love with Toby, a magician. I finished this book in one sitting - I found myself rooting for Mel and Toby, through the twists and turns of their love story. I really enjoyed the author's detailed way of writing, truly a good read! Here is my blog review: [...]

This is not the usual romance novel. Ivy Pochoda in The Art of Disappearing presents a fascinating escape into a different world. Whether it is real or imagined is unimportant. It is in the events, the drama, that we find ourselves hoping... Mel Snow is a textiles consultant; she works with fabrics but also floor coverings, etc., in recommending and designing spatial areas. Her talent is superior; in fact, she selects her materials, often by the song they sing to her. Sometimes the materials call to her and her favorite place is to visit second-hand stores where each costume shares their own individual story. I highlight her story first because once you begin to read, you will be caught up into the magical life surrounding Toby Warring. But, in my opinion, this is really Mel's unique story. Some of us will recognize it as our own; others will simply enjoy it! But either way, you will remember and once again be caught up into the mystique and love that was there. Mel Snow met Toby in a dingy bar. He said he had been there before, looking for someone for whom he could buy a drink, as he had just done for Mel. It wasn't hard for Mel to fall in love at first sight. And when it was suggested later that they had just won enough money to get married, that is what they did. Two days had past. Toby's dream is to perform his magic in Las Vegas and since Mel could find work anywhere, they were quickly on their way there. Toby told her that she had brought new life to him and it looked that way, because he was quickly finding a following, mostly women, who had found him in the seedy part of town where gambling was most important to the male customers, but the wives found alternative entertainment. Soon they followed him around, stuffing money in his pockets, buying him drinks. He in turn would grab a bottle and start pouring from that bottle anything that the woman wanted--gin, vodka, scotch--it appeared in their glasses. It wasn't long after they were married that Toby had confessed that his magic was--different, his magic was real. He used space in other dimensions through which he worked to create his illusions. But when a rabbit disappeared into his top hat, it never came back. One time, many years ago, his beautiful assistant had "disappeared" also. His kind of magic could be dangerous. Quite a number of individuals also pointed out the danger--pointing out that the danger could involve Mel. They urged her to never become part of one of his magic tricks! But the excitement, the wonder of his magic drew Mel and she loved the private shows out in the desert, where he used the sand and other earthly elements to perform just for her. If a fan, a teenager had not fixated on becoming his new assistant, even though she knew that his former one had disappeared, it might have been a happily ever after marriage. But when the fan jumped in between a bullet and the magician and was accidentally killed, Toby realized that his career there was over. Unless...

oby is magician who doesn't use tricks in his magic shows, he uses real magic. When he meets Mel he feels an undeniable passion for her. To prove himself to her, he magically places a glass of wine in front of her. The next day, they become husband and wife. Soon, Mel realizes that Toby's is haunted by a failed magic trick. He had an assistant who was part of a disappearing trick. The problem is, she didn't return. He cannot escape the feelings of failure when it comes to this past event. Will he learn how to keep control of his power or will he end up screwing things up past recognition? This is an amazing story that keeps you wanting more. It's beautifully written and I was absolutely enthralled! I love a good love story. IVY POCHODA graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Classical Greek and English. She is the Spring 2009 James Merrill House Writer-in-Residence. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Just finished The Art of Disappearing and found it totally intriguing. I truly enjoyed every minute of it and I'm looking forward to Ivy's next. Her use of language is like a painting, multi layered and colorful. Her style is reminiscent of a book I never quite finished "Miss Macintosh My Darling" which now I intend to find and read. Definitely transcended time and space for me.....or was that part of her illusion?