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thesinginglights 's review for:
The Colossus of New York
by Colson Whitehead
3.5 stars
I swing between three and four stars. At once insightful, hilarious, universal, and impersonal. This is a mediation of modern life which, as much as his various insights are both unique to New York, these are recognisable as situations of anyone who has lived in a big city. I recognise the insights from when I've lived and worked in London, such is the brilliance of his observation.
The reason I swing between is that there is very little of Whitehead himself. I wish he himself would explore this city that he loves. He took so much time and energy to explore the city he was noticeably missing. The first part, "City Limits", offers that insight and it's great. Still has that universality, but has that personal flavour to it as well.
The prose poetry/creative non-fiction has some flourishes at points but does weary in time. Fortunately it's a short read so it's not too much in the way. By no means, an awful read: I'm excited to check out his novels.
I swing between three and four stars. At once insightful, hilarious, universal, and impersonal. This is a mediation of modern life which, as much as his various insights are both unique to New York, these are recognisable as situations of anyone who has lived in a big city. I recognise the insights from when I've lived and worked in London, such is the brilliance of his observation.
The reason I swing between is that there is very little of Whitehead himself. I wish he himself would explore this city that he loves. He took so much time and energy to explore the city he was noticeably missing. The first part, "City Limits", offers that insight and it's great. Still has that universality, but has that personal flavour to it as well.
The prose poetry/creative non-fiction has some flourishes at points but does weary in time. Fortunately it's a short read so it's not too much in the way. By no means, an awful read: I'm excited to check out his novels.