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gmh711 's review for:
The Submission
by Amy Waldman
Lest we forget. I hope this book lasts. Waldman does an excellent job of capturing the variety of emotions in and out of NYC after 9/11.
On the surface, the book explores the varied reactions of America to the destruction of the Twin Towers. The design of a memorial becomes the focus of a multitude of emotions amd opinions. The book explores the politics of memorial. "It's almost like we fight over what we can't settle in real life through these symbols. They're our nation's afterlife." (p. 295) But "it would take more than a memorial to unite [the nation]." (p 274)
My interest waned halfway through the book as we were asked to follow almost too many characters and their reactions to the memorial. Jumping from person to person, culture to culture, I was ready to say "Enough already. I get it." Sticking with it I began to realize there was much more to the story.
I debated 4 or 5 stars, but settled on 5 stars because for me, the book was about more than a debate over a 9/11 memorial. Waldman is really asking whether art can be separated from the artist. Does it matter what the artist intends? Or is it more important how it is perceived by the viewer? She postulates that we should judge art and the artist separately. "You look at the creation, not the creator.... There's no inconsistency in loving one and reviling the other." (p. 272)
Another takeaway for me is that art is most successful when it evokes a unique interpretation for an individual. Each viewer or listener brings their own experience and imagination to its interpretation. Like Claire, we want things to be clear and simple, but the individualism of art is part of its beauty.
On the surface, the book explores the varied reactions of America to the destruction of the Twin Towers. The design of a memorial becomes the focus of a multitude of emotions amd opinions. The book explores the politics of memorial. "It's almost like we fight over what we can't settle in real life through these symbols. They're our nation's afterlife." (p. 295) But "it would take more than a memorial to unite [the nation]." (p 274)
My interest waned halfway through the book as we were asked to follow almost too many characters and their reactions to the memorial. Jumping from person to person, culture to culture, I was ready to say "Enough already. I get it." Sticking with it I began to realize there was much more to the story.
I debated 4 or 5 stars, but settled on 5 stars because for me, the book was about more than a debate over a 9/11 memorial. Waldman is really asking whether art can be separated from the artist. Does it matter what the artist intends? Or is it more important how it is perceived by the viewer? She postulates that we should judge art and the artist separately. "You look at the creation, not the creator.... There's no inconsistency in loving one and reviling the other." (p. 272)
Another takeaway for me is that art is most successful when it evokes a unique interpretation for an individual. Each viewer or listener brings their own experience and imagination to its interpretation. Like Claire, we want things to be clear and simple, but the individualism of art is part of its beauty.