Purity discussion

I have just dropkicked this book over the back deck after 261 frustrating pages. It's not just his treatment of women I had trouble with, it was his treatment of characters in general. None is likeable. The novel seems to reflect the mind of a man who needs serious psychiatric help, it is full of bitterness and bad blood. It seems that Franzen set out to write a novel of this type to show that hecan because his intellect is so respected. Every time I opened the novel I was full of trepidation and angst, not good feelings for an author to inspire in a reader. It seems that people hate the book or love it. Do some of the lovers say they love it because they think they're supposed to love a novelist of his stature. I love reading and hate not finishing books but Franzen's display of intellectual gymnastics and thumbing his nose at fans is an insult and a great insult. GOODBYE JONATHAN, it wasnice knowing you. Plenty of better and more enjoyable writers out there.

Paul, I'm with you, it's okay. I won't say goodbye to him, though, I have hopes for his next effort.

I've belonged for a long time, but got tired of the baggage. If you want my street creds, my review of the book is at

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

EDIT: 6/3/16: i have completely changed my position. It takes me a while to absorb a book, and I understand Purity now.

Theda, read some Jonathan Tropper if you haven't already. I'm sure you'll enjoy his writing.

Franzen's always been mediocre at best. He was just hyped up by Oprah and various magazines.

I agree, Roberto!

I've a theory that Franzen's work is a spotlight that highlights the reader's hang-ups and/or things they are offended by, and that's why he's so contentious. It's a mark of his talent that so many find something objectionable in his work.

His characters are objectionable and his attitude is objectionable and sometimes theories that readers have to justify their understanding of an author are objectionable.

But "objectionable" is such a personal, subjective thing, so I can only assume that you agree with me on that.

Well, Purity is the first of his I've had any issues with, and it's funny, I just read the comment above from Campbell, and after I posted my review of the book, a few days later, I went back and edited it. I think there's more to Purity than I was able to see at the time. I don't know what it is right now, and that's what I said in my review, but I'm unwilling to slam a book. Or an author. Well, that's a lie. I just know who's not for me. I love Franzen, have for years. So I take back what I said above.

Besides, I don't want to become one more voice in the jeering crowd of guillotine fans that Goodreads is becoming. Except for groups I belong in, which conversation is modulated, opinions exchanged, help asked for and given. These general posts get me in trouble every single time.

Ellen, more people should be like you. You take in what people say and think about it. There aren't many considered people like you. I admire you.

I like Franzen. This book was less pleasurable to read than Freedom or The Corrections but still worthwhile. Didn't you like Tom? I enjoyed his character immensely.

I thought Freedom and The Corrections were worthwhile reading but not Purity, it was immensely disappointing on many fronts.

AnnLoretta wrote: "Paul, I'm with you, it's okay. I won't say goodbye to him, though, I have hopes for his next effort. ."

Well, no. I've completely changed my position. Sometimes my mind is in need of a stretch, a challenge. I understand Purity now. I've been commenting on it at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

But I didn't come here to argue, just to do the author justice. And myself justice, too, as a reader.

Thanks!