The Borrower is a book for readers, for lovers of personal freedom and the beauty of being oneself, whoever that self may be. If you get all the book references (“Where’s Papa going with that ax? said Fern”), then so much the better, but you’ll enjoy this wonderful novel either way.
- Booklist (starred review)An accomplished short-story writer, Makkai has written a splendid first novel that cleverly weaves telling references to children’s books into her whimsically patchwork plot. Larger-than-life characters and an element of the picaresque add to the book’s delights. Best of all, however, is Lucy’s absolutely unshakable faith in the power of books to save. From her lips, readers, to God’s ear.
“Makkai takes risks in her sharp, often witty text… Smart, literate and refreshingly unsentimental.”
- Publisher’s WeeklyFast-paced, suspenseful, and thoroughly enjoyable
