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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
4.5
this man can WRITE. The Corrections is a Succession-esque domestic drama…but if the main characters were Midwestern and fell into a much more normal tax bracket. I hated all of the characters and somehow felt deep sympathy for them at the same time. not for the faint of heart.
this man can WRITE. The Corrections is a Succession-esque domestic drama…but if the main characters were Midwestern and fell into a much more normal tax bracket. I hated all of the characters and somehow felt deep sympathy for them at the same time. not for the faint of heart.
Less depressing than I thought it would be, but still an abrasively dysfunctional family story.
Absolutely horrible! The New York Times Book Review owes me money and an apology for noting this in the TOP 10 best books of the first quarter of the century. How?! Why?!
It's really hard to like a book when you don't like a single one of the characters
This novel is a towering achievement in contemporary literary fiction; masterfully crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The novel traces the disintegration of the Lambert family, capturing their individual struggles and collective unraveling with a precision that is quintessentially Franzen. Each character—from the aging and obstinate patriarch Alfred to the restless and disillusioned Chip—offers a distinct perspective that adds depth to the narrative, making the story resonate on multiple levels.
The level of effort and thoughtfulness Franzen invested in this novel is simply remarkable. The narrative structure, while intricate, never becomes convoluted; a testament to the care with which Franzen orchestrates the unfolding of the story. His expansive sentences, often meandering through complex thoughts and emotions, exemplify his literary genius. Although I typically favor books with shorter chapters, I found Franzen’s longer, more immersive passages to be a welcome surprise. These sections draw readers in, allowing for a deeper engagement with the characters' inner lives. It is clear why "The Corrections" is frequently hailed as Franzen’s magnum opus (thus far). Despite a few side storylines that may seem superfluous, his prose remains so elegant and accessible that the novel's length and complexity never become burdensome. Franzen’s approach to character development and narrative pacing is subtly brilliant, striking a balance between the sprawling and the intimate. This is a book that not only offers insights into the human condition but also serves as a masterclass in the art of writing.
Having also read "Freedom," another of Franzen’s remarkable works, I can confidently say that "The Corrections" surpasses it in terms of impact and depth. Franzen’s ability to weave the minutiae of everyday life with broader societal critiques is unparalleled, and I eagerly anticipate exploring "Crossroads" to see how he continues to evolve as a writer. "The Corrections" is more than just a novel—it is an experience that I'm certain will stay with me for a long time.
The level of effort and thoughtfulness Franzen invested in this novel is simply remarkable. The narrative structure, while intricate, never becomes convoluted; a testament to the care with which Franzen orchestrates the unfolding of the story. His expansive sentences, often meandering through complex thoughts and emotions, exemplify his literary genius. Although I typically favor books with shorter chapters, I found Franzen’s longer, more immersive passages to be a welcome surprise. These sections draw readers in, allowing for a deeper engagement with the characters' inner lives. It is clear why "The Corrections" is frequently hailed as Franzen’s magnum opus (thus far). Despite a few side storylines that may seem superfluous, his prose remains so elegant and accessible that the novel's length and complexity never become burdensome. Franzen’s approach to character development and narrative pacing is subtly brilliant, striking a balance between the sprawling and the intimate. This is a book that not only offers insights into the human condition but also serves as a masterclass in the art of writing.
Having also read "Freedom," another of Franzen’s remarkable works, I can confidently say that "The Corrections" surpasses it in terms of impact and depth. Franzen’s ability to weave the minutiae of everyday life with broader societal critiques is unparalleled, and I eagerly anticipate exploring "Crossroads" to see how he continues to evolve as a writer. "The Corrections" is more than just a novel—it is an experience that I'm certain will stay with me for a long time.
I sympathize with none of the characters; they're all terrible people. Also, the author always chose the pretentious way to describe something, which just comes off as smug and is unreadable. I listened to about 30% of the audiobook before giving up.
I liked the people in this book, at least at first. They were difficult but very real. And then a little after the half-way point, maybe around the time of the talking poop, everything just pissed me off. I hated them all, and I found their plot lines increasingly farcical and hugely annoying. They were spoiled and miserable and did nothing to help themselves. Also, there was an enthusiasm in the writing that I initially liked, but then I found it grating. It was like a peacock strutting his feathers--pointless and pretentious. The most annoying aspect of this book, though, is that there's this feeling that if you didn't like it, you didn't get it. I got it; I was simply unimpressed.
And then for some reason I went out and bought his collection of essays. Maybe I am an idiot.
And then for some reason I went out and bought his collection of essays. Maybe I am an idiot.
Fantastic. So very sad and depressing at times but so very funny and heartwarming at others. Cannot wait to read Freedom
3.5. Great craft but didn’t totally get into the story or characters