Motherless Brooklyn (Riwayat Seorang Detektif Gila)

It adds such depth and authenticity to the character, but I wonder what inspired that choice and how it shaped the story's tone.

The detailed setting really immerses you—did Lethem draw from real places or craft a fictional version that fits the narrative mood?

It keeps the suspense tight, but I’m curious if the plot was planned that way from the start or if it evolved during writing.