Book for the Wishlist

[c9]

This sounds like the niftiest book!

Leanne Shapton, an artist and writer, has done something new: she has captured the full arc of a love affair in a novel that resembles an auction catalogue. "Important Artifacts and Personal Property From the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion, and Jewelry" chronicles a four-year relationship through artefacts put up for sale, including romantic notes and ominous letters, diary lists and saved cookie fortunes. Each lot is carefully itemised, priced and arranged chronologically. Their meaning builds incrementally, and the effect is satisfyingly voyeuristic--as compelling as a motor-accident. But it feels tawdry to stare. (Lot 1216, a handwritten note: "It's like you don't value who I am."; Lot 1303, a stuffed squirrel.)