I've read a lot of good reviews for I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning from the book-based accounts I follow and I felt like it'd be a book I'd enjoy as well. I requested the ARC for this one quite close to publication, and after a couple of days I figured it was too close to the book's release to get the chance to read. That is not how it went; on Wednesday evening I got the approval notification...the day before publication!
Following five thirty-somethings who've known each other since childhood, I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning is an observation-based book that shares its chapters between each of the five characters. We’re on the periphery as they live their lives, come together, fall apart, explore their pasts together, and question their futures.
In many of the reviews I’ve read for this book the word ‘quiet’ has been used, and I’m inclined to agree with that observation. There’s a vibe of being just on the edge of the goings-on, observing the interactions and being taken along as their individual stories are woven together as life meanders on. The outlook of the five and their musings on their aspirations, adulthood, making money, staying in place, moving away, and everything else that’s discussed in the book, is very reflective and real. There are so many wry observations and downright funny comments it’s like being talked to by friends.
Choosing not to name where I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning is set is a clever choice by Goddard. Chances are we all know these places, these people, these surroundings, particularly if you grew up in an inner city. This could be Newcastle, Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds… I realise those places are northern, so I suppose subconsciously I’ve placed this story in a northern environment. Possibly because I am northern it could be a biased skew, but to me the five do not read as being southern characters.
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning isn’t overly plot driven, but doesn’t feel cumbersome like some other books in this style. Everyday life is mundane, but this book is not. It’s beautifully written and each character has a defined voice, explaining how their lives have been entwined for decades, and detailing the days they’ve spent together from childhood to present day. Not everyone is on the same path, as we all know from growing up, and often growing apart from the friends we had in our younger years. Some ‘escape’, some stay put, some want to better their lives, others are happy with where they are.
As mentioned, the book isn’t particularly plot driven, and I know this isn’t for everyone. But this felt like a catch up with pals for a specific snippet of time, drifting into each other’s lives, then drifting back out again as happens in reality. Much as I enjoyed the book in the moment I don't think it'll be one that sticks in memory or will have revisit value, so my rating reflects those elements too.
Rating: ✨✨✨
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning is available now, and I’d like to extend many great thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication.
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