A master of so-called experimental fiction, Sorrentino [applies in Aberration of Starlight] his impressive technical skills to the tale of a vacationing Brooklyn family in 1939, with mixed results….

Using a series of short narratives, letters, questions and answers, and internal monologues, Sorrentino artfully delineates a world in which desire is constantly thwarted by convention and fantasy is restricted to the suggestions of pulp magazines. His language is brilliant, exposing the sentimental, evasive mode of thought of the time through a seemingly instinctive use of slang, cliché, and radio-show humor. Unfortunately, it is impossible to ignore the fact that the characters are banal, dull, and unthinkingly brutal with one another. Sorrentino has drawn them well enough so that we turn away from them in disgust and concentrate on the style; as good as that is, it should not be the most interesting thing about any novel.

"Short Reviews: 'Aberration...