June book: Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem

For our June meeting, Motherless Brooklyn brings a unique blend of detective fiction and character study, centered on Lionel Essrog, a private investigator living with Tourette syndrome. Through Lionel’s perspective, the novel transforms what might seem like a traditional mystery into something far more original and introspective.

The story follows Lionel as he investigates the murder of his mentor, Frank Minna, navigating the gritty underworld of Brooklyn along the way. What sets the novel apart is Lionel’s voice—sharp, compulsive, and often darkly humorous. His condition shapes not only how he interacts with the world, but also how the narrative unfolds, offering readers an intimate look at his thought processes and struggles.