The form of Larry's Party is quite interesting. It is presented in thematic vignettes or episodes, such as "Larry's Work," "Larry's Words," and "Larry's Kid," encapsulating key periods in his life, each one marked with a distinct maze design. These chapters often repeat basic information or flashback to Larry's past, as if they were separable short stories, or perhaps a new place to begin Larry's story. Each chapter adds new perspective, new details, or a distinct emotional focus.

Each one tells us a bit more about Larry; for instance, the chapter entitled "Larry's Threads" reveals quite a bit about his experiences as a child when his clothes were always slightly wrong, yet he would prefer not to hurt his bargain-hunting mother by telling her. This structure could be considered a bit self-conscious, but Shields is, as always, playful—anyone who can call a chapter "Larry's Penis, 1986" is...