Children of the Revolution

Mark Danielewski’s latest novel comes with reading instructions; maybe not so much “instructions” as “advice” on how best to approach his unconventional story. Each page holds only 180 words, but two lifetimes are packed into the spare text. The story of Sam and Hailey, two young lovers who are forever on the run across America and forever sixteen years old, Only Revolutions reveals itself in these repeating 180-word bursts, a series of small explosions that is both narrative and elucidation on the history of America as Sam and Hailey run from the Civil War and the Iraq War and wars yet to be imagined. Mark Danielewski reads from his ambitious work at 7 p.m. at the Mad Art Gallery (2727 South 12th Street; 314-367-6731 or www.left-bank.com). Admission is free, and Danielewski signs copies afterward.
Mon., Sept. 24, 2007