Motherless Brooklyn

Jonathan Letham wrote Motherless Brooklyn, which was published in 1999. It tells the story of Lionel Essrog, a private detective with Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics and vocalizations.

Lionel works for a small detective agency in Brooklyn, New York, run by Frank Minna. Minna serves as a mentor and father figure to him. When Frank is fatally shot during a routine investigation, Lionel becomes determined to find his killer.

As Lionel delves deeper into the investigation, he navigates the gritty streets of Brooklyn, encountering a cast of eccentric characters. Along the way, he confronts his own personal demons and struggles with his condition. Tourettes both hampers and provides him with unique insights into the case.

The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the search for belonging. Through Lionel's perspective, readers gain an understanding of him and the challenges he faces in a society that misunderstands him.

The novel is known for its distinctive narrative voice. Lionel's tics and obsessions are reflected in the prose, adding a layer of depth and authenticity to the story.

Motherless Brooklyn received critical acclaim and won several prestigious literary awards, including the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction.