Improvement

IMPROVEMENT
by Joan Silber

 Awards: National Book Critics Circle 2017 & PEN/Faulkner 2018

 Date Read: February 19, 2019

 Improvement was my introduction to Joan Silber and this novel made my reading list due to the awards it received. Prior to this, I hadn't even heard of Silber and I was very happy for the introduction. 

 Due to the interweaving narratives, Improvement felt almost like a series of short stories that had overlapping themes and relationships. As much as I am not a fan of short stories, I felt this format helped to develop each character and further define their impact on each other and the world around them. 

 Improvement centers on Reyna, a young, single mother who continually finds herself involved with questionable men. Boyd is her boyfriend who, after being released from prison, begins a cigarette smuggling scheme and ropes Reyna into helping. As I was reading, I kept hoping she wouldn't jeopardize her own well-being for this hair-brained scheme and at the last minute, to the chagrin of everyone involved, her better angels prevail and she backed out. This decision would have disastrous consequences for everyone involved.

 Many reviews have emphasized Silber's emphasis on the importance of connection and power of redemption, however, to me, this novel emphasizes the importance of being true to yourself, although the consequences might be unexpected. 

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