Lamb
By Bonnie Nadzam
(Other Press, Paperback, 9781590514375, September 2011, 288pp.)
The Short of It:
Stunning and dangerous with sharp, rusted edges.
The Rest Of It:
David Lamb is no stranger to hardships. His marriage failed miserably and he’s just buried his father. While taking a moment after the funeral to gather his thoughts, eleven-year-old Tommie stumbles into his path. She’s all limbs and freckles, yet there’s something about the girl that Lamb finds inviting. He decides to take her on a trip. To show her all the things that I girl her age should experience at least once.
And there was nothing wrong with all that, was there? With a guy like him, buying a kid like her a nice lunch, spoiling her a little? It was good for her. It was just a little tonic for his poisonous heart.
Although it might sound like a re-telling of Lolita, it is far from that. Lamb is a delicately written novel that explores appropriateness and friendship in a way that at times has you questioning Lamb’s true intentions. Tommie is hitting that awkward tween stage where every question is answered with a shrug. She’s seemingly floating along without direction, so when Lamb offers her a trip to his cabin, a place where she can experience everything a young girl her age should, it doesn’t take long for her to decide that it’s what she wants to do. In Lamb’s eyes, he’s giving her the guidance and attention she so desperately needs. In her eyes, she’s getting out of her Godforsaken town to see the world.
When they begin their trip, it’s impossible to know what his intentions are. Early into the novel, I felt sure that he was having some sort of a nervous breakdown and although the decision to take the trip was not a wise one, I could see his logic and his reasons for wanting to take it. But as the trip progresses, and as they get to know one another, insecurities and all, things take a turn and that is where I began to question if Tommie was going to make it out of this okay. These moments of doubt were excruciating to read. I literally had internal conversations with myself over what was going on. What disturbed me more, is that there were times where I found myself relating to Lamb. Making excuses for him, if you will. Somehow I wanted this trip to be okay and for them both to be better for having taken it.
What makes this novel so complex is that Lamb is good for her, as she is good for him. But what makes this a dangerous, edgy tale is the fact that this fifty-something has taken an eleven-year-old girl across the country and against his better judgement, has fallen in love with her. All of a sudden, his care of her becomes a slightly dark, disturbing affair that had me sitting uneasily on the edge of my seat. When you find your soulmate, does age matter? I got mad at myself for even asking such a question but that is what Nadzam does. She works her magic and makes you question right and wrong.
I can’t go into anymore detail than that, because you must read it to get the full effect, but when a book like this has you cheering for the old guy, you stop and take notice. Lamb is wonderfully complex and rich. It’s everything that I look for in a book.
Content Note: If you shun books that center around child molestation, do not let that keep you from reading this book. This book (in my opinion) does not fall into that category and is not graphic in any way.
Source: Sent to me by the publisher via Net Galley.
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.
Book Chatter 
Wow…this sounds intense…like a fierce wild ride.
Throughout the book, I continued to doubt his intentions. It really kept me guessing.
This sounds deeply intense and raises a lot of questions that defy convention. Another for your best of list?
This will definitely be on my “best” list.
This sounds very weird, and so interesting that it gets you to sympathize with Lamb!
Ok, you have totally sold me on this book, when normally I would run screaming from anything that sounds even remotely like a grown man falling in love with a preteen girl. It does indeed sound a little sinister and dark, but also really very interesting and dramatic. Fantastic review, Ti. It was interesting to read about how conflicting your emotions were when you were reading this one.
I can’t wait for you to read it.
This sounds fascinating. I wonder if this book is available at my library…
I was hesitant about buying this book as I do steer away from books related to child molestation. So, I was glad that you do not feel this book falls into that category. I just bought this one when Amazon had the KSO to purchase a mystery for $1 and I grabbed Lamb. Your review makes this book sound fascinating, thanks for another wonderful, insightful and well written review Ti!!
I am really curious about this book – and thank you for your content note because I am one of those readers who has never read Lolita because I am afraid it “normalizes” child sexual abuse. This is a book which seems to have gotten some excellent reviews…I may need to pick up a copy.
Wow, I have this on my TBR list but your review has me moving it to the very top of the pile!
Wow! Sounds controversial, thought-provoking and wonderful. I must read it! Thanks for alterting me to it.
Wow, that sounds like quite a story. I’m going to have to look for it.
Oh goodness… you make this sound good but I could also see it being quite an uncomfortable read for me!! But then, I’ve always wanted to read Lolita since it’s a “classic” lol…. hmm, we’ll see if I get to this one. =)
There were parts where I squirmed because it’s just wrong to even think for a second that a girl that age could be something to a grown man, but it is handled well. In Lolita, his intentions are known, here…you aren’t sure until the end.
Terrific review and I’m admiring the author’s skill and courage. This could have been tough to pull off but it sounds like she did. This goes on my reading. Thanks!
I was so on the fence about this one, now that you have tested it, I’m getting it!
Oh…sounds good; I also have this one from Net Galley as well.
Have a wonderful Holiday Ti.
Just stopping by to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year Ti!
Same to you!
Just stop by to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas! Thanks for all the reviews you’ve provided for us throughout the year. I look forward to more informative posts here at Bookchatter in the coming Year. Have a wonderful Holiday Season, Ti!
I am so glad that we have gotten to know one another through blogging. I so enjoy your reviews and your very thoughtful comments. Merry Christmas!
This sounds like a challenging read and a different, deeper approach to a troubling subject. I’d be curious to take a look at this one.
Somehow I missed this review…I’m totally curious to see how this plays out. I feel like I must read it!