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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
I remember coming across Fran Lebowitz during her heyday and then forgot about her until I watched the wonderful PRETEND IT'S A CITY last year. I absolutely adored her straight talking acerbic wit so felt it was time to familiarise myself with her writing again.
And what can I say?
It really hasn't held up well.
Humour is a funny thing. (See what I did?) Even the best is very set in its place and time. What's roaringly hilarious in Japan, may be incomprehensive in Europe. And what was cutting edge in the 1970s/80s can easily be outdated in the 2020s. And the latter is unfortunately the case with Lebowitz. She does remind me a lot of Woody Allen in that regard. I used to adore his early writings but anytime I revisit them, I just scratch my head and wonder what I was on at the time. A lot of Lebowitz' essays deal with the trials and tribulations of New Yorkers 40-50 years ago and even as someone who lived through that time (albeit as a kid or teenager and in Germany), I can't say I found most of it still speaking to me.
It's really a pity as I do love her style and she is one of those people you can imagine having a blast with at a dinner party (though the idea of a dinner part would of course appal her) but that book gets a thumbs down from me.
And what can I say?
It really hasn't held up well.
Humour is a funny thing. (See what I did?) Even the best is very set in its place and time. What's roaringly hilarious in Japan, may be incomprehensive in Europe. And what was cutting edge in the 1970s/80s can easily be outdated in the 2020s. And the latter is unfortunately the case with Lebowitz. She does remind me a lot of Woody Allen in that regard. I used to adore his early writings but anytime I revisit them, I just scratch my head and wonder what I was on at the time. A lot of Lebowitz' essays deal with the trials and tribulations of New Yorkers 40-50 years ago and even as someone who lived through that time (albeit as a kid or teenager and in Germany), I can't say I found most of it still speaking to me.
It's really a pity as I do love her style and she is one of those people you can imagine having a blast with at a dinner party (though the idea of a dinner part would of course appal her) but that book gets a thumbs down from me.
dark
funny
fast-paced
If you know and enjoy Fran Lebowitz's humor, you will enjoy this book. It's typical Fran Lebowitz: sarcastic, dry humor. If you don't know her humor, don't read this - you won't enjoy it.
funny
fast-paced
dark
funny
fast-paced
funny
lighthearted
reflective
Broad and uneven
Like any longitudinal study of a humorists’ work there are good bits and not so good bits here. If you like sarcasm New York style, and who doesn’t, then some of these bits are for you.
Like any longitudinal study of a humorists’ work there are good bits and not so good bits here. If you like sarcasm New York style, and who doesn’t, then some of these bits are for you.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
funny
reflective
medium-paced
I've always thought of Fran Libowitz as a conversationalist. Her wit and timing bring guffaws of delight from her fans (me included). The written word is less of an ally for her. While there is definitely some funny stuff here, most of these pieces engender only a smile or giggle. Some fall completely flat. Most of the ideas are never fully completed, ending abruptly and inconclusively. I'm glad she never wrote again, instead choosing to use her strengths in the oral realm.