THE CORRECTIONS by Jonathan Franzen 🇺🇸 BOOK REVIEW

[@P.EnglishLiterature]

I haven't read any of Jonathan's book. But from watching this review, I'm a bit motivated to wanting to check it out. Thànks for the recommendation.

[@JuanReads]

That's great! I hope you enjoy reading it.

[@ameliareads589]

So long ago since I read it, I think it must have been around the time it came out. I have read Freedom as well and Crossroads is waiting for me on my shelf.

[@JuanReads]

It was very popular for a literary novel when it fist came out.

[@DebMcDonald]

I read this when it came out and agree with you that I couldn’t put it down. Everyone is unlikeable but believable . I couldn’t face a re-read for this project because I didn’t want to spend time with them. I can recommend it for the 90’s feel and the messy family drama. Can’t wait for next month. It’s a small curious gem.

[@JuanReads]

Even though I don't share your feelings about re-reading The Corrections, I understand your reasons. Have you read more by Franzen or was this novel enough for you? I can't wait to read his most recent one. And, yes, I am also looking forward to reading The Blue Flower next month!

[@DebMcDonald]

@@JuanReads I bought Freedom in a fit of enthusiasm but haven’t read it. I still have it in hardcover and it survived a transatlantic move so I obviously have feelings about it. I agree his new one is tempting!

[@JuanReads]

@@DebMcDonald I want to read Freedom, too, but Crossroads is the one I want to read next. It sounds fascinating.

[@ali_west7587]

I am currently reading Crossroads and really enjoying it. Franzen really knows how to write characters. In Crossroads the characters are flawed but still relatable and not completely unlikeable (so far at least). Great review! I’m impressed you completed The Corrections in a weekend!

[@JuanReads]

Thank you. I only keep hearing good things about Crossroads. I need to get to it soon. I must have read The Corrections on long weekend. But it took me a lot less time to read it than I had anticipated. I just couldn't put it down!

[@LanaCelebic]

I really enjoyed this novel. All these characters are deeply flawed and unlikeable, yet I had a lot of sympathy for them. The only character I hated with ferver was Gary's wife. How she tried to manipulate their kids and turn them against him and never did anything nice for him, yet expected of him to do everything for her. I agree, some parts (like the Lithuanian part) could have been cut from the book. Still, I got though them rather quickly and didn't mind them all too much. I enjoyed the critique of American lifestyle and how they all wanted to 'correct' something in their lives and mostly failed. The Christmas scene was awesome. Franzen's writing style is wonderful, it never feels demanding, yet it's deep and not at all simple. I particularly enjoyed some dialogue exchanges between the characters that seemed to lead nowhere, yet felt so realistic, like real conversations. He showed so much about the characters and their relationships though them. Looking forward to reading 'The Blue Flower'.

[@JuanReads]

Thanks, Lana. Yes, Gary's wife is the worst. I don't think I have been so mad about a literary character before. I also agree with your observation about the dialogue feeling like real-life conversations. What do you think about the email exchanges between Denise and Chip? I loved those! The Corrections is an endlessly fascinating novel. I'm glad you're looking forward to The Blue Flower in April because so am I!

[@LanaCelebic]

@@JuanReads Yes, the e-mail exchange was amazing. I loved how Denise kept everything to herself and never wanted to talk about her life, but then she just snapped and told everything to Chip in a single sentence in an e-mail, and he just overlooked it and never gave it a setious thought.

[@parrujul2633]

Why " deeply unhappy"?

[@JuanReads]

The answer is in the novel!