A tale about mothers and daughters that draws parallels between the stages of both literature and life; it suggests that unexpected turns and the challenge of finding the right ending are vital to each ... Unfolds in 24 parts, emulating the structure of the Odyssey ... Musings on time travel lead to occasional narrative cul-de-sacs, and some of Ms. Luiselli’s declarations about writing provoke bafflement ... Affecting, open-ended.