Word: franzens
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...hard to imagine a more appropriate locale than Cambridge, Massachusetts, as the setting for the conglomeration of 90s woe so adroitly depicted in Jonathan Franzen's new novel Strong Motion. Against the backdrop of eccentric Cambridge, Franzen tells the story of a young man's struggle to reconcile his idealism in a corrupt and continually disappointing world, capturing the social ailments of our society in both a humorous and candid light...
...first glance, this imbroglio seems altogether annoying, as though the author has managed to gather up every PC gripe, put it in a pile, shove it in your face and then expect you to feel guilty. But in fact, the novel has the opposite effect. Franzen addresses the issues of the nineties with a sense of humor and honesty that sharpens interest, awareness and concern. He is able to articulate successfully sex and societal concerns. He craftily maneuvers his voice and his rich characters under your skin...
...Franzen's voice is frank and effective. Although Strong Motion is Louis Holland's story, it is also the collective story of many young Americans today, making the book a subtle and entertaining success. Coincidences that might seem more fitting for "Dynasty" make sense in this context because they encompass human experience. The story transcends itself, becoming symbolic of the times...
...Finally, Franzen's decision to juxtapose personal and societal issues in the schizophrenic Cambridge Boston area could not be more appropriate. Home to conservatives and liberals, wealthy and poor, intellectual and working class, the setting reinforces the driving force behind Strong Motion--that people, issues and places are not black and white...
Sheba didn't need to worry about police breaking up the festivities on Saturday--there were none in sight. Nor were there any "right-wing thugs, flag wavers, or sports enthusiasts" that had terrorized gatherings in the past, according to Franzen...