Tommy Orange’s debut novel, There There, begins with a quote by Gertrude Stein that mirrors its title: “there is no there there.”Stein’s quote comes from her 1937 autobiography where she’s referencing the disappearance of Oakland, her childhood home, which is also Orange’s hometown. The quote suggests that while the town still exists, is still a place to which one might come home, it is fundamentally changed—any homecoming is accompanied by a sense of absence. something lost.
What a perfectly timed post. I just finished "There There" last night. (I'm still tender.) On to Wandering Stars...
Check the book link at top of the page below when you can.
https://torrancestephensphd.substack.com/
This came in at the library for me the day this post published. I have been reading it every chance I get.
I've been a book club slacker but gotta get on this one.
Read There, There when it came out. Love me some Tommy Orange!
Loved this book.
Book arrived today so I can start reading! Sincerely looking forward to diving in and discussing.