Ms. Hempel Chronicles

“[Gilbert’s] performance is perfectly suited to the writing…For anyone who has worked with or taught young adolescents, this is a delicious glimpse into life from their point of view.” —SoundCommentary.com

“Bynum’s second novel provides a narrative voice as unique and engaging as that in her award-winning debut, Madeleine Is Sleeping (2004)…Rather than focus on the major events of Ms. Hempel’s current life, including a broken engagement and the death of her father, Bynum instead uses these as a net to cradle smaller, more telling moments—a troublemaker buried in sand on class “beach day,” a magic routine at the talent show, dancing with colleagues at happy hour. Bynum dares to put much stock in these small moments and in the dreamy perspective of her heroine, and the result is charming without being quirky. This tightly composed novel favors character over a traditional narrative…The attention to detail is spectacular.” —Booklist

“The idea that we’re all just aging, idiosyncratic children snatching at happiness is central to Ms. Hempel Chronicles, Sarah Shun-lien Bynum’s gently, deeply affecting second novel…Ms. Hempel’s consciousness is a joy to inhabit.” —Bookforum

“Subtle, dazzling…There is so much elliptical richness in the multifaceted character of Ms. Hempel that every chapter in this short, taut novel brings revelation…No sign of sophmore slump in this masterful illumination of character.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)