Steeped in Science, Submersed in Story

I had read Pessl's first novel and enjoyed it, so I was more than game to give Night Film a try, and I was pleasantly surprised. This story is really well put together and doesn't rely on witty comments for its effect. I still found the voice of the main character a little hard to relate to, but I enjoyed the story so much I hardly had time to notice that. The plot was woven so well and was the main driver of the book, but, true to Pessl form, the main character was the real focus of the novel. It's clear that the author's intent is to take a rational guy and make him, well, less rational because of what happens to him, and she certainly succeeds in that. But I really appreciate her technique. She gave him an out. She gave him a rational explanation at the end, and it made sense. It was pretty clearly true. But he still liked the magical explanation, which was probably true in some way as well. So he changed in a meaningful way, making him the true hero of the story, but he wasn't required to leave the real world to do so, or throw who he was out the window. If he had completely gone off the deep end, it would have been a nice story but the character would not have pulled me in. I really appreciate her finesse in treating her characters with respect while requiring a great deal from them. This was a thoroughly entertaining and satisfying read.