Saturday, June 06, 2009

Netherland

I must say, I'm perplexed by the praise that has been showered upon Joseph O'Neill's Netherland. I experienced this novel in much the same way that I did Robinson's Gilead: I couldn't identify a point of entry into the plot, and I found myself distracted by (what Frank Wilson labeled) overly 'precious' prose. Ok, the book is insightful; and ok, it's about an odd, undervalued, demographic in New York City - so? This novel dragged, and as clever and poignant as it was at points, I cringe to think of it - as some have - as a modern Gatsby.

1 comment:

  1. Susan B.10:21 AM

    Is this guy Richard Benjamin's love child? Looks very much like the actor back in his "Goodbye, Columbus" days.

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