Karen Knudsen gave me Netherland as a present - what a great read! The framework is the story of a Dutch man, married to an English woman, living in New York following 9-11. His wife is shaken by 9-11 and her own demons, goes skittish on their marriage, and returns to England with their young child. He commutes back and forth, trying to restore their marriage and understand himself. But the story focuses chiefly on the man's involvement with cricket, and a cricket enthusiast and promoter. The jacket blurbs say it's strongly reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, and nearly in the same league. Well, I barely remember Gatsby and didn't care for it all that much - shame on me, as I know some members of this family are true believers - maybe I'll try it again. Anyway, Netherland is wonderful - many unusual and arresting observations, an unsettling atmosphere, thoughtful insights into personality. Highly recommended! And Barack Obama read it!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Netherland
Karen Knudsen gave me Netherland as a present - what a great read! The framework is the story of a Dutch man, married to an English woman, living in New York following 9-11. His wife is shaken by 9-11 and her own demons, goes skittish on their marriage, and returns to England with their young child. He commutes back and forth, trying to restore their marriage and understand himself. But the story focuses chiefly on the man's involvement with cricket, and a cricket enthusiast and promoter. The jacket blurbs say it's strongly reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, and nearly in the same league. Well, I barely remember Gatsby and didn't care for it all that much - shame on me, as I know some members of this family are true believers - maybe I'll try it again. Anyway, Netherland is wonderful - many unusual and arresting observations, an unsettling atmosphere, thoughtful insights into personality. Highly recommended! And Barack Obama read it!
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