Nov
30th
Fri
30th
2007
to produce a book that would be naked structure….A piece of mathematics, in short.” The problem with these kinds of projects is that language cannot lost its own skin, so to speak. Print may take on the qualities of a painting, but it cannot become one: a book, whether linear or not, is experienced through time.
…
Perhaps these novels reflect the splintered realities of post-ideological times, of grand narratives exhausted.
…
Perhaps these novels reflect the splintered realities of post-ideological times, of grand narratives exhausted.
— this is from Jennifer Szalai’s review of Don DeLillo’s new book, Falling Man, in the July Harpers. i think this combines common frustrations with “postmodern” writing (ie it’s too formulaic) with the concession that it’s reflecting the fractured aspect of the time. maybe this writing will read better in the future, or maybe, as is asserted, the narrative contraints of literature aren’t suited to representing highly fractured realities. in the end, i think working through them is often rewarding.
