Infinite by Nicholas Mainier
Infinite by Nicholas Mainier
When I heard about this book at a webinar with Harper Collins, I knew I had to read it. I have read a couple other Katrina and post-Katrina New Orleans books that I have really enjoyed. Plus, Infinite also deals with the illegal immigrant issue, a bit, as well as the drug war and violence in Mexico. Though ‘The Infinite’ is fiction, these are all topics I have interest in so it seemed like it would be a good fit.
After Hurricane Katrina, teenagers, Luz and Jonah are romantically involved. They both come from broken families and come to depend on each other for comfort and respite from their problems. Jonah has virtually no family left and basically has to fend for himself while Luz, who snuck into the U.S. with her father, only has him to look after her. It is clear that her father loves her but is also struggling to care for her. He has to line up early in the morning at the hardware store, in hopes of getting work, as an un-documented worker.
When Luz becomes pregnant, Jonah tells her that he lov3es her and will quit high school and join the army to support them. However, Luz’s father sends her to live with her grandmother in Mexico instead. This is when the book really heats up. Stuff happens on her journey to her grandmother’s. Stuff that no one should have to deal with or experience!
When Jonah doesn’t hear from Luz, he decides to drive to Mexico. Little does he know that Luz is struggling to save herself and the life of her unborn child!
I had a really hard time getting into this book. It took about 100 pages for it to finally grab me. No, I don’t usually need a lot of action and violence to get into a book, but I did with this book. Once Luz started her journey into Mexico, I really started to warm up to ‘The Infinite’ and I enjoyed it the rest of the way through. I certainly am glad I read it and can recommend it. I will defiantly check out more books by Nicholas Mainier.
I received the ebook version via Edelweiss for my honest review.
4/5 Stars
About Nicholas Mainier
Nicholas Mainieri’s debut novel is The Infinite, published in 2016.
Born in Miami, Florida, in 1983, Nicholas has also lived in Colorado and Indiana. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, he earned his MFA from the University of New Orleans.
His short stories have appeared in the Southern Review, the Southern Humanities Review, and Salamander, among other literary magazines. He currently teaches writing and literature at Nicholls State University, located in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.
He resides in New Orleans with his wife and son.
It sounds like there’s a lot going on in this book so I think I’d have to be in the right mood to read it.
There really is a lot going on in it Kathy. You do need to be in the right mood. Something I forgot to mention is how many pearls there are in the writing. If you are into literary fiction, this is especially worthwhile!
Looks like there are some very pertinent topics covered in this book.
For sure there are Margie!
Hmm, it’s been too long since I gave any serious thought to the Katrina disaster. I’m glad I know now this book is more than just a pretty cover; it seems it has some food for thought it would be good for me to consume. I am adding this to my to-read list. Thanks for sharing this book with us, Teddy. Cheers, Kara S
I love literary fiction and all these topics covered interest me, too. It’s hard to read 100 pages in before really getting interested though. Like someone else said above, it’s definitely one I would want to read at the right time/be in the right mood for.