Edward's Reviews > Double or Nothing

Federman takes an original and very clever approach to writing about his experience escaping the holocaust and emigrating to America. Although an otherwise very different novel, Double or Nothing reminded me in spirit of Slaughterhouse-Five, in the difficulty both novels had in confronting trauma directly. Federman's use of typography was, I believe, innovative at the time, though similar approaches have been employed since then, and so much of the novelty for me had (unfairly) already worn off. But as far as "experimental" novels go, this is one of the better ones. It is intelligent and entertaining, and the experimental elements are not a gimmick, but more often than not actually reinforce the narrative and add an element to the story that would not have been possible with a more traditional approach.