I definitely wanted to like it more than I did. The written dialogue is frequently clunky, almost as if rather than holding a conversation the characters are just throwing words at each other. Maybe that's reflective of Victor's malaise and difficulty relating to other people but it made for a sometimes irksome reading experience.

Cornelia, the young dreadlocked liberated vegan hippy and live-in goddaughter, I thought was a largely unnecessary and weak character. Her provacative presence in his house seems meant to be the impulsive spark that finally, years after his wife's death, helps drive Victor to his emotional breakthrough/breakdown, but besides the character being annoying, I found this dynamic and relationship unconvincing. In addition it forced the inclusion of scenes featuring her father, sadly another annoying pest of a character who even Victor, his childhood best friend, can't wait to be rid of. Better to have struck this part of the novel out and found another means of propelling Victor out of his emotionally deadened rut.

Yet Baldwin clearly has talent and parts of the novel do shine, enough to keep me reading to the end. As others note, the note cards left behind by Sara that provide her view of her and Victor's marriage are particularly strong. Anyway, as a debut novelist Baldwin is certainly entitled to not yet be at the top of his game. I'll not hesitate to read his second novel.

And if you're looking for an excellent novel about a man dealing with the loss of his wife, consider taking a look at A Happy Marriage by Rafael Yglesias...
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So far it's a very cleverly written love story about a marriage that lost it's way. I am really liking it so far. ( )

Oh, I wanted to love this book, because Rosecrans Baldwin wrote it and I adore The Morning Tournament of Books. But it never quite caught fire for me. ( )

Oh, I wanted to love this book, because Rosecrans Baldwin wrote it and I adore The Morning Tournament of Books. But it never quite caught fire for me. ( )

Rosecrans, co-founder of the amazing website The Morning News, is an awesome writer. You Lost Me There, his debut novel, certainly doesn't disappoint. I could have used a little more Bruce Willis (who makes appearances in the book), but that's only a minor complaint. Keep an eye on Baldwin; he's going places! ( )