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Lisa (NY)'s Reviews > Crossroads
Crossroads
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Franzen is a master of intricate novels about messed-up families. Crossroads is both eloquent and frustrating. As a reader, my relationship to each character vacillated and deepened as I learned more about their flaws, motivations - and faith. I was most drawn to Marion, and will read the next book in the planned trilogy for her. Franzen writes beautifully and generously but often uses two sentences when one would do. I was more aware of the page count than I like to be in a 500+ page book.
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Reading Progress
May 23, 2021
– Shelved
May 23, 2021
– Shelved as:
to-read
October 20, 2021
–
Started Reading
October 25, 2021
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-22 of 22 (22 new)
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Anne
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Oct 25, 2021 05:23AM
Lisa, thanks for the heads up. Sounds like a book I don't need to get to in a hurry...or at all.
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Anne (On semi-hiatus) wrote: "Lisa, thanks for the heads up. Sounds like a book I don't need to get to in a hurry...or at all."Anne, I think it depends on how you feel about Franzen. I've read all of Franzen's novels and feel they are worthwhile - but flawed.
To be honest, I've tried twice to read his novels and can't get in to them. I think I'm in a minority of one. :)). Same thing would probably happen with this novel.
Anne (On semi-hiatus) wrote: "To be honest, I've tried twice to read his novels and can't get in to them. I think I'm in a minority of one. :)). Same thing would probably happen with this novel."Yes, probably - but I I think quite a few readers have a similar response.
That's good to know. I'll have to check out the reviews on Corrections.
Ouch! Being too aware of the page count is never a good sign. Franzen can be quite frustrating.
Lisa, I'm halfway through this one and I do see his generosity, both in the sheer amount of words he uses but also (and more importantly) in the way he handles his characters and their all too human flaws.
Violeta wrote: "Lisa, I'm halfway through this one and I do see his generosity, both in the sheer amount of words he uses but also (and more importantly) in the way he handles his characters and their all too huma..." Yes, he does make the reader see multiple dimensions of a character - it is impressive.
Lisa, I haven’t read any of his books yet, and I’m not sure how I’ll feel about him since I have GR friends who both like and dislike his writing. These are all people whose opinions I value! So obviously that leaves me with only one option, I’ll have to read one or two and decide for myself! Darn!!! 🙄 Thanks for your honest review. 😊
hmmmm. I am not sure about this one. Not a fan of those rambling sentences...that's how I'm feeling about "Harlem Shuffle". It interesting that you intend to read the next one of the trilogy. I never got into "Corrections" which everyone raved about. I gave up far before my 50 page rule LOL. thank you for your review. I think I'll remain in "pass" mode.
"Often uses two sentences when one would do." :-) Brilliant review. I've got it on hold.
Toni wrote: "Lisa, I haven’t read any of his books yet, and I’m not sure how I’ll feel about him since I have GR friends who both like and dislike his writing. These are all people whose opinions I value! So ob..."Toni - hard to predict how you will feel but he is an author I think is well worth checking out.
Barbara wrote: "hmmmm. I am not sure about this one. Not a fan of those rambling sentences...that's how I'm feeling about "Harlem Shuffle". It interesting that you intend to read the next one of the trilogy. I nev..." He does write great sentences, they are just exhausting...I like the way Franzen delves into the psyche.
Bianca wrote: ""Often uses two sentences when one would do." :-) Brilliant review. I've got it on hold."Oh good - curious as to your take!
Glad you enjoyed this, Lisa. It's wonderful to feel like you have a relationship with the characters because the author portrays them so realistically. I want to read this book but am a little hesitant due to his verbosity.
Elyse wrote: ":) I was sooo into this novel -- lol. -- Good thoughts on Marion -Lisa? when you were a kid --did you ever belong to a youth group?
I've been thinking about purpose they serve today-- (I was in B..."Glad you enjoyed it Elyse! I was in a Teen Theatre which served that purpose - definitely!
Elyse wrote: "wow --how fun -- I bet you remember certain plays and part you especially loved....I bet you were adorable! -- xo"You are making me laugh. I had a lot of angst as a teen - so adorable isn't the word - I was very intense!
Very delicate and kind description of "writing beautifully and generously"!There are certainly times one would wish Franzen would be more frugal.
On the ending, if one didn't know he was writing a trilogy would it stand on it's own merits?
Even assuming the subsequent books do not specifically address how the end plays out, it left me feeling flat, perhaps because I actually found myself not curious or caring about how Clem would act next.
Brian wrote: "Very delicate and kind description of "writing beautifully and generously"!There are certainly times one would wish Franzen would be more frugal.
On the ending, if one didn't know he was writing ..." Brian, you make a good point. The ending did feel somewhat flat and for me was helped by knowing there will be another book...
'Eloquent & frustrating' - my thoughts exactly!
I saw the thickness of this one and wondered if it would feel like it or not. Maybe I'll tackle this in audio!
I felt just the same way! The writing was gorgeous, I loved Marion’s character, and overall found it to be a brilliant read though I did notice my eye drifting to the “percentage read” number on my kindle too often for my liking.
