Suspension: A Novel

by Robert Westfield

A dazzling, remarkably original dark comedy about a young New Yorker's failed attempts to isolate himself in a city that won't take solitude for an answer

For years it's been Andy Green's job to stump students nationwide by coming up with the wrong answers for their multiple-choice tests. Recently, however, his own life has become overwhelmed by wrong choices. When a love affair is mysteriously ended by a Post-it note and followed up by a random street assault, Andy locks himself in his Hell's Kitchen apartment. In solitude, he thinks, he might be able to get a grip on his life. But when he is forced to reemerge six months after the attacks of September 11, the city awaiting him is more bewildering than ever and all the people in his world seem to be part of a vast conspiracy.

Equal parts noir, French farce, and homage to New York, Suspension is a surprisingly heartfelt novel about learning to live in a world where nearly everything is decided behind our backs.

Genres: Fiction, LGBT, New York

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started out strong-ish, but unraveled as it went along. A gay New Yorker completely self isolates after a bashing, and this all overlaps with 9/11.

I truly could not tell you the point of the novel. Other than maybe…our lives sometimes get completely upended anc it’s hard.

[Rob Lesher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took books on the cruise that have been hanging on my to read shelves for a long time. This book is about trauma and isolation at the time of 9/11, but is not about 9/11. It was interesting, but so/so. Also, had this book in my gym bag for like 5 years thinking I would read at the gym before I began to stream audiobooks. It was so messed up I actually recycled after cruise.

[Atrebs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Met Robert Westfield on a trip to New York and came back inspired to read his novel. It's an interesting story about a man who, after 9/11 and becoming the victim of a sidewalk attack, basically shuts himself in and becomes afraid to go back out in public in a world that is out of control, or rather, where others control you and you lose yourself. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the attack played out but to a disappointing reveal for me. I did, however, enjoy his relationship with the real, and even the imposter, Sonia- his fame-seeking friend from Russian who likes to start sentences with "And". An easy read for summer. New York - as in Sex in the City- is a character in the novel. If you've visited there, you would enjoy the weaving of NYC history into the story.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's March 2002, and Andy Green hasn't come out of his apartment in 6 months, since getting beat up by a couple of gay bashers before 9/11. But a phone call saying that his former lover has left a package for him at a Manhattan hotel spurs him out of his ennui (but not his paranoia) and he once again ventures out into the world. Whacky good characters, none of whom are what they initially seem, from Andy's Bible-beating mother to his close friend Sonja.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Robert Westfield invites us into the mostly harrowing but occasionally hilarious world of New Yorker, Andy Green, who takes refuge in his apartment after the events of September 11th and a gay bashing incident that leaves him injured and his future brother-in-law hospitalized long-term. Westfield presents a cast of characters that Big Apple and comic-novel fans alike will appreciate wholeheartedly.

[Mark Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine novel in the genre of contemporary New York gay fiction writers. Well-constructed plot uses pathos, comedy and wit to explore the existential crisis and the delight of living in post-9-11 New York. A set of quirky, endearing characters find their lives intertwined and their bizarre back stories revealed in a series of coincidences bordering on melodrama. Relationships are exposed at the most raw level. Won a Lambda Literary Award a few years back.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading this for the Brooklyn Bookclub for Women. I didn't end up going to the bookclub mtg(!) but tore through the book anyway. It was a very easy read even though really the subject matter isn't all that light. Definitely enjoyed it! However, I would rewrite the back cover copy if I were them. It doesn't at all do the book justice!

[Tom Ledcke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Westfield took me on a similar jouney that Crime and Punishment did, in that he took me into this internal struggle that digs deep for meaning of self. However, Suspension keeps the reader hopeful with the lead characters humor and strength, supported by his family and friends.I can't wait for the his book to come out.

[Meri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Westfield's debut is funny, engaging and unique; it also takes a really surprising turn, which impressed me because Westfield deftly handles both plot and language. I read this book in 2 days--once it hooked me I couldn't put it down! A great read!!!

[Aaron · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is overly complicated and elaborate nonsense that goes absolutely nowhere.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book. I loved how the lives of the characters were intertwined and vastly affected by miscommunication and misunderstanding.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun easy read