Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dear The Corrections,
At first, I wasn't sure what to make of you. Franzen's writing style is extremely unique and at times, difficult to follow. In your beginning, there wasn't much story, just a bunch of esoteric wanderings, but they did lead to some place worthwhile. While none of your characters were particularly likeable, and all were extremely flawed, they were also extremely relatable. Ultimately, you were about the grief of loss and aging and all of the complex emotions that come with watching the downfall of a parent. You kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next to this family and if they could be able to come together, or inevitably fall apart. I am not sure if I will give Franzen another try, but I did enjoy you.
At first, I wasn't sure what to make of you. Franzen's writing style is extremely unique and at times, difficult to follow. In your beginning, there wasn't much story, just a bunch of esoteric wanderings, but they did lead to some place worthwhile. While none of your characters were particularly likeable, and all were extremely flawed, they were also extremely relatable. Ultimately, you were about the grief of loss and aging and all of the complex emotions that come with watching the downfall of a parent. You kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next to this family and if they could be able to come together, or inevitably fall apart. I am not sure if I will give Franzen another try, but I did enjoy you.
funny
medium-paced
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very disappointed after reading some of the reviews that breathlessly praised this as the great American novel. The characters all seem like shallow stereotypes and caricatures whose only development is to grow ever more unlikable and cartoonishly terrible. 2 starts on the sometimes enjoyable prose itself only.
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's hard to discuss this book. Franzen is an incredible writer and I can think back to so many instances where I was in awe of his work. But overall, I really dislike--boarder line hate--this book. Why? Probably the subject matter. It's a book meant to make you feel bad, and if I didn't have to read this for my graduate reading list, I don't think I would have. That being said, I really respect what Franzen has done here, and his writing craft. It does got a bit...overboard in this book, but I think he just wanted to make sure everyone knew it was "literary fiction."
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Torture, Kidnapping
So good I'm reading it again. Franzen's books always remind me of summer. Not sure why. So good to read again. I actually loved it more and found the melancholy overwhelming.