Time’s a goon, right? You gonna let that goon push you around?
Jennifer Egan – A Visit From the Goon Squad
Time as a Goon
T
“A Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan is an innovative novel that intertwines the lives of a diverse cast of characters connected to the music industry. The story is non-linear, jumping across different time periods and perspectives, centering around music producer Bennie Salazar and his assistant Sasha. Through a series of interconnected chapters, the novel explores themes of time, change, and the passage of life, reflecting on how the characters evolve and intersect over decades. Each chapter is a unique narrative experiment, including a standout section presented as a PowerPoint presentation. The novel delves into the personal struggles, triumphs, and failures of its characters, painting a vivid picture of their intertwined destinies. “A Visit from the Goon Squad” is a profound meditation on aging, technology, and the relentless march of time, capturing the essence of contemporary life.