Title: Excellent novel
Product review: I was directed to this novel by Jonathan Franzen, the chief sponsor of its revival. I agree with the positive reviews below but want to point out that the theme of the 60s is very important to the novella. The action takes place in the midst of that urban catastrophe, NYC in 1970. The assault on the Bentwood's comfortable lives comes from all directions but also the increasing cultural decay of the era, from crime (the break-in at their country home) to the drunks having breakdowns outside their window to the piles of refuse lining their street. The writing is excellent and the imagery very imaginative.A big turn-off for many readers is that the characters are not sympathetic -- not a one. I highly recommend it to the reader who doesn't insist on liking those he/she reads about.
Would you say this review depicts the product in a flattering or unflattering light?
