The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

How hard is The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry to read?

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry scores 45 out of 100 for difficulty on ReadingRate, making it moderately challenging. The score is a weighted composite of nine measures: four of how hard the prose is to parse, five of how hard the meaning is to extract.

Vocabulary: 48 out of 100

The novel employs a generally accessible vocabulary, typical of contemporary literary fiction, with occasional sophisticated words like 'persnickety,' 'jejune,' 'provenance,' and 'glioblastoma multiforme.' While not relying on archaic terms or invented language, it elevates beyond simple prose, placing it above 'The Great Gatsby' (45) but well below 'Moby-Dick' (72). Specialized terms, such as medical diagnoses, are explained or contextualized, preventing significant reader difficulty.

Sentence structure: 55 out of 100

Sentence structures are varied, ranging from direct dialogue to longer, more descriptive passages with multiple clauses. The narrative maintains a clear flow, avoiding the extreme hypotaxis or exceptionally long sentences found in works like 'The Golden Bowl' (88) or 'Absalom, Absalom!' (85). The prose is more complex than '1984' (35) but remains navigable, similar to 'The Great Gatsby' (52) with occasional longer, reflective sentences.

Abstraction: 60 out of 100

The narrative primarily follows concrete events and character interactions, but it frequently delves into philosophical musings about literature, life, love, and loss. A.J.'s internal monologues and the meta-commentary on books, such as the nature of storytelling or the purpose of reading, elevate the abstraction beyond a purely concrete narrative like 'The Great Gatsby' (58). This blend of grounded storytelling with intellectual reflection positions it closer to '2666' (65) in its probing of meaning.

Information density: 58 out of 100

The book presents a moderate information density, balancing character development, plot progression, and thematic exploration without overwhelming the reader. While not as dense as 'War and Peace' (80) with its multiple plotlines and historical backdrop, it requires sustained attention due to its interwoven themes and the characters' literary discussions. The frequent shifts in perspective and internal reflections add layers of meaning, making it more demanding than a straightforward plot-driven novel.

Narrative indirection: 35 out of 100

The narrative generally provides direct access to characters' thoughts and feelings, with A.J.'s internal monologues and chapter-opening notes explicitly stating themes and motivations. While subtle emotional shifts occur, the core meaning is rarely left to deep inference. The reader is largely told rather than having to assemble meaning from fragmented clues.

Symbolic density: 55 out of 100

The book utilizes books, literary references, and the bookstore itself as central motifs, symbolizing identity, connection, and life's stages. Chapter titles, drawn from short stories, often mirror or comment on the events within, adding a layer of thematic resonance. However, these symbols are generally accessible and their significance is often explicitly discussed or clearly implied within the narrative, rather than requiring extensive decoding.

Ironic distance: 40 out of 100

The narrative maintains a largely earnest and sympathetic tone towards its characters, even with A.J.'s initial curmudgeonly demeanor. While there is humor and A.J. occasionally offers meta-commentary on literary clichés, the author's voice does not create a significant gap between what is said and what is meant. The story primarily engages the reader directly with its emotional journey and character development.

Resolution withholding: 30 out of 100

The story provides clear resolutions for its main characters and plotlines, including A.J.'s personal growth, Maya's adoption, and the eventual continuation of the bookstore under new ownership. While A.J.'s death is a poignant event, it concludes his personal arc rather than leaving major questions unanswered. The narrative generally moves towards emotional and plot closure.

Structural complexity: 45 out of 100

The novel employs a mostly linear chronology, with clear shifts in perspective between characters that are easy to follow. Each chapter is consistently framed by an 'A.J.F.' note, which serves as a recurring structural device. Flashbacks are clearly indicated, and while there is a story-within-a-story, it is presented straightforwardly within the main narrative without disorienting formal experiments.

How The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is regarded

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry holds a literary regard score of 33 out of 100, weighing its place in the canon, its critical reception, its influence on other writers, and the standing of its author. Regard is measured separately from difficulty: a demanding book is not necessarily an admired one.

About the author

Gabrielle Zevin