THE JYNX is a novel of clamming, art, Swiftboat politics, and revenge in the age of Karl Rove. The protagonist of THE JYNX is a clammer, barely surviving in a dying industry, whose dream is to become a successful wood sculptor. A political operative, who is being stalked by a crazed Vietnam War veteran, hires the clammer/sculptor to protect her while she writes a book in an isolated cottage on a Long Island estate. She is the protagonist’s inspiration for The Jynx, a sculpture which advances his career and turns her into a vengeful enemy. The story takes place in the first nine months of 2006.
I would not recommend this book. I am going to give a 1 star rating to any book I read that has the "f" word in it from now on. I am so tired of seeing this word in almost every book I read. Why has it become so common place? I wish books had a rating system like movies do. Don't you?...
KENNETH C. CROWE IS AN EXCELLENT STORYTELLER The Jynx is the 4th novel I've read in my Kenneth C. Crowe marathon. Once again I enjoyed the story. A small bit of the supernatural does not deter me from awarding a well deserved 5 stars. A common man with somewhat uncommon intelligence seems to get into situations that can elevate him into a life of celebrity Crowe's protagonist is, once again, as in his other books, endowed with qualities that make him likable to this reader. These are not serials. Each stands on its own and the characters are fresh and exclusive. I cannot identify a moral to this story, just as I can't say that there are no similarities with his other storylines; the ones I've read featuring a clean living protagonist whose politics lean a bit to the left and who are not adverse to a roll in the hay with a lusty female. There's manipulation, greed, lies, and deceit. Jynx comes closest to "he lived happily ever after" ! ! !
I actually finished this one and I'm not sure why. I guess I was hoping for it to get better. I got thoroughly disgusted with the character's dislike of "heavier women" YUCK! what a bore! Honestly, the story had me in the beginning when I thought it was a tale about a clammer and his dog, but what happened to poor Sweeney made me sick! Thank goodness it was a "freebie" on my Kindle!!
A realist's version of politics in the U.S. today - I liked the contrast between the world-hardened girls and the rather innocent New Englander who just wants to enjoy his life and do his art. One ends up voting for the guy.