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Book Review of The Unnamed

The Unnamed
The Unnamed
Author: Joshua Ferris
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
donkeycheese avatar reviewed on + 1255 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


Tim Farnsworth has a rare and unnamed disease. In the opening pages of Joshua Ferris's newest novel, Tim reveals that "it's back." It seems that they, his wife and daughter, have gone through two previous episodes of this life-altering disease. Now, they are about to start their third one.

Tim has a disease that causes him to walk, and walk, and walk until he is emotionally and physically exhausted. His disease takes him across many states and many climates, often times resulting in harm to his body. When he comes back to himself, he calls his wife Jane to come get him. It's a shocking and devastating disease.

His family is left behind when Tim leaves, never knowing where he is going, or if that will be the last time they see him. Will he come back dead or alive? Tim, while he walks, is always trying to get control of his body and his mind sometimes gets confused. For a successful and well-to-do lawyer, his disease risks everything. With the disease back, Tim cannot work, and they may lose their house and more.

The Unnamed is a heartbreaking story, yet it shows the strength of the human mind and body. What lengths will one go to to protect those they love? The story, ultimately, was a little longer than it needed to be to get the point across. There are only just so many walks before it becomes annoying to this reader. But I did enjoy the novel and the unique perspective and storyline.