A dreamy poetic story of meandering emotions in New Orleans. I can understand why this is considered a cult-classic. Lemann's tale of "wastrel-youth" encompasses cynicism, death, lots of drinking, and tropical splendor. Louise and Claude may or may not be in love. The continual breakdowns that everyone experiences may be real psychological disturbances, or just an unbalance of the moment. A weirdly engrossing piece of work.
I think Ann Tyler's review captures it well: "Think of Lives of the Saints as a long poem―a hysterically funny poem that is also beautifully written . . . Words are slung about recklessly, piled in staggering heaps, and what emerges from them is an almost hypnotic portrait of unforgettable people in a strange and magnificent city . . . Warming and endearing, brilliant." ―Anne Tyler, The New Republic.
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