Anthropology of an American Girl

[1] It was independently published in 2003,[2] and re-released in 2010 by Spiegel & Grau, a division of Random House, both times to critical praise.

[4] Hamann wrote Anthropology of an American Girl, a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story about Eveline Auerbach, a young woman growing up in Reagan-era America.

"[13] The Providence Journal cited the novel for its "gorgeous detail and nuanced thought" and "poetically rendered, astute perceptions."

Hamann critiques her era and culture through the tale of a precocious young woman buffeted by the accidents, values and consequences of her age.

The review added that "Eveline is a marvelously complex and tragic figure of disconnection, startlingly real and exposed at all times.

"[19] O Magazine said that the novel is "a realistic, resonant, and universal story," adding that "Evie has a deadpan delivery Holden Caulfield might envy."

"[20] The Washington Post praised it as "a very respectable and serious descendant of the work of D.H. Lawrence," adding that Hamann had created "a carefully devised, coherent world, filled with opinions that need to be spoken—and heard."

"[2] The Dallas Morning News said, "This impressive debut is epic but not overwrought, and brilliant without the slightest hint of smugness.

"[4] East Hampton Independent called the novel "An ethnographic exploration of youth culture," "haunting, wise, and hip," with "its ear-perfect dialogue and erotic charge.

"[24] Newcity Lit wrote that the book "gives us a vocabulary for coming-of-age in a contemporary world," but that "Like The Fountainhead, Anthropology is too long.

"[25] New Zealand Listener called the book "a remarkable, honest and vivid achievement," adding that "What Hamann brings to this world is a woman's voice that is fresh and full of feeling."

"[26] The Washington Post called Anthropology "as vast and ambitious as the country itself, a panorama of a particular culture being born and dying and being reborn again.