alimalina's review against another edition
2.5
it was fine, nothing much really. and the narrator seems to be very much into jerking themselves off and the sound of their own voice. and me not so much.
callikat's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
cheyenneisreading's review against another edition
I reluctantly finished it. I really wanted to enjoy this book and might re-read at some stage in the future..
laviskrg's review against another edition
5.0
This book will go directly to the shelf "Best books of my life", but it puts plenty of the books on that list to shame. This was by far one of the greatest, most fabulous, most thought-provoking and heartbreaking books I've ever read in my life. It was recommended by an awesome friend with exquisite reading tastes who mentioned that he would not be surprised if this book ended up being taught in school. I share the same thoughts.
"Freedom" is a Great American novel, and it is essential to understand the strong political context, but as far as the family saga at its center and main focus, it is a novel of the world. It is very easy to falsely reject the characters as being weak or inactive or pessimistic but I found them extremely viscerally human and relatable on an emotional and sensitive level. What was at the beginning a decent into the destructive spiral of stangers' lives, turned out to be a personal, riveting, intellectual analysis of people I found to be all to real and all to close to me towards the end.
The language is sublime. It makes me cry out in joy to find a writer with such a beautiful control over language, such a diverse vocabulary, such a flowing prose, and such a realistic dialogue. Such a refreshing break from mediocre and sub-par wannabe "artists" who over-think and over-describe anything. This book, which was devoid of shallow action scenes was more exciting and nerve-wracking than entire volumes of non-stop action written for the Twitter generation.
I adored every page, and it is truly miraculous nowadays to find a book that you devour and that consumes you as well. A book which leaves so much within you while also peeling away your self defense layer by layer.
A true work of art of the modern time, humorous for how totally unfunny it is, intense, brutal, obvious yet unexpected. Heart-wrenching and warming at the same time. A must-read, must-love, and an immense warning sign of how not to live, but how many do. And yet, they do live.
"Freedom" is a Great American novel, and it is essential to understand the strong political context, but as far as the family saga at its center and main focus, it is a novel of the world. It is very easy to falsely reject the characters as being weak or inactive or pessimistic but I found them extremely viscerally human and relatable on an emotional and sensitive level. What was at the beginning a decent into the destructive spiral of stangers' lives, turned out to be a personal, riveting, intellectual analysis of people I found to be all to real and all to close to me towards the end.
The language is sublime. It makes me cry out in joy to find a writer with such a beautiful control over language, such a diverse vocabulary, such a flowing prose, and such a realistic dialogue. Such a refreshing break from mediocre and sub-par wannabe "artists" who over-think and over-describe anything. This book, which was devoid of shallow action scenes was more exciting and nerve-wracking than entire volumes of non-stop action written for the Twitter generation.
I adored every page, and it is truly miraculous nowadays to find a book that you devour and that consumes you as well. A book which leaves so much within you while also peeling away your self defense layer by layer.
A true work of art of the modern time, humorous for how totally unfunny it is, intense, brutal, obvious yet unexpected. Heart-wrenching and warming at the same time. A must-read, must-love, and an immense warning sign of how not to live, but how many do. And yet, they do live.
nglofile's review against another edition
1.0
Awful, just awful. This was painful, to say the least. Each and every one of the characters is loathsome. The sexual content is shoveled on (but not in any way that can be construed as erotic), and there is a fascination with bodily fluids that I cannot begin to understand. I'm honestly having trouble coming up with one redeeming quality. The sliding time frames added a little interest, but not by much. Just because the author sets his story in contemporary America and references significant events and cultural debates does not make this an important book. It has nothing to offer but obsessive self-importance and disdain for nearly everything and everyone. Save yourself. Run far, far away from Freedom.
ayshin's review against another edition
1.0
This was utterly boring and about 250 pages way toooo long!!! Seriously!! I honestly felt like I wasted my time reading this book. I honestly don't understand the whole point of this book!!!
eekoeblintz's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
A Russian novel, but make it boomer culture. Everyone was insufferable and it actually felt like 40 years had passed when I was done. Extremely well written. I hated it.
sarabasti's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
great beginning, but as usual, Franzen books go on for a little too long
sjmaxa's review against another edition
4.0
What a novel: contemporary & epic, raw, difficult & emotional writing with incredibly interesting characters. And the St. Paul / Northern Minnesota setting reminded me of home.