Mr. Mani is a multi-generational saga by A.B. Yehoshua, centered around Jerusalem and told in an unusual way: as conversations between two people, with one partner's words missing, and running in reverse chronological order. The reverse chronology suits the material beautifully, resulting in a feeling of almost archaeological discovery as deeper layers are revealed. The silent partner in the conversation is a device that works less well because it often calls attention to itself when the speaker repeats a question. Still, this is a rich and satisfying family chronicle.
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