Picking up The Kingdom of Ohio I wasn't really sure what to expect. I read the fly leaf and wasn't sure. I read the backcover and didn't feel any more informed. I liked the title. I lived in Ohio for awhile. I figured anything about Ohio was worth taking a chance.
Now that I've finished the book, I'm still not quite sure what it was about. I'm not sure the author is either. I'm fairly certain the editor had no clue.
The Kingdom may have been a science fiction love story with more fiction than science and more longing than love. Connected alternate universes with no explanation for why such connections would occur. A mysterious machine that may or may not have been the connection. Real life heavy hitters like Edison, Tesla, J.P. Morgan and the NY subway. Their presence felt as disjointed as the aternate universes that may or may not have existed.
The questions the book generated for me were only enhanced by the endless footnotes and explanations. Following the main story was challenging enough without muddling it further by adding imaginary nonfiction.
As I completed the book, I experienced profound relief, not in the ending or the resolution, but rather, in the fact that I could stop trying to make the story make sense. I hope the main character also found the respite he seemed to seek.
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So glad there are plenty of books out there for everyone! I did like this one, as you know, but I just got caught up in the story and was able to suspend belief. I kind of liked the footnotes!
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