Magic Time

Více o knize

In Daniel M. Klein's third novel, the lives of five Harvard graduates who participated in Timothy Leary's first LSD experiment in 1961 are explored with narrative vigor. While the events and characters feel real, they often come across as overly familiar and abstract, lacking specific resonance. Klein's thorough research ensures historical accuracy in their actions, but this approach results in characters that feel more like archetypes than individuals. The most compelling figure is the enigmatic Timothy Leary, who, despite appearing mainly in the background, leaves a lasting impression on the friends. As they gather for a 40th birthday celebration in 1979, they encounter Leary performing in a nightclub, viewing him as if he has materialized from their memories. The men navigate the rituals of the 1960s—Peace Corps service, radicalization, drugs, and sexual exploration—yet Klein's portrayal lacks the magic of the era, presenting it from a weary distance. Four of the friends find success in the 70s, while the fifth becomes entangled in the radical underground and meets a tragic end. Although the novel showcases careful craftsmanship and detail, it suffers from formulaic characters and a predictable plot. Only Leary escapes this schematic treatment, emerging as a believable figure amid the narrative.