The Invisible Novel
Saturday June 2, 2007
After looking forward so much to reading Don De Lillo’s Falling Man I’m unable to hide my bitter disappointment in the novel. This is a big subject tackled by one of America’s leading authors, but simply stamping “9/11” on a work of fiction isn’t enough to make it a great one. I just spent too long waiting for the book to kick in, and while I was nodding sagely throughout – attempting to gel with the novel intellectually – it didn’t grip me emotionally. I found the characters flat and unengaging, and although Keith – survivor of the attacks on the twin towers – may be written as an invisible person, walking back into his family’s life after the terrorist attacks like a virtual ghost – the undead survivor perhaps – this is way beyond my capabilities as a reader.
While I commended De Lillo for waiting so long to tackle “9/11” – while others (British authors, I won’t mention their names) were bashing away at their keyboards to produce articles for next morning’s press before the second tower had even fallen – I wish he hadn’t produced something so leaden and pretentious. This isn’t going on my list of recommendations for 2007.
Very interesting comment. I have only read the excerpt of Falling Man that appeared in the New Yorker and I admit that it did not grab my attention for much the same reasons. Leaden is the perfect word.
verbivore 4 June, 07:22 AM
Alas! The reviews I read weren’t nearly as upsetting as yours. I’m not going to read this anytime soon, but I too am wishing it to be good.
Ted 4 June, 03:07 PM
Sorry to be so negative, but that’s the mood the book took me to. I hate it when that happens.
Stephen 4 June, 07:32 PM
Well, I just finished the book last night and I have to completely agree with you about the leadenness of the characters. Both Keith and Lianne couldn’t seem to get out of their own numbness to make the ‘story’ come alive. Despite all that – I actually did enjoy the book and the questions that Delillo posed. And I couldn’t help enjoying the writing even if I couldn’t summon any real sympathy/empathy for the characters.
verbivore 24 August, 07:49 AM
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