I just finished reading The Grapes of Wrath. That was intensely traumatizing, but I must say, it was also oddly refreshing. I felt a great relief in being spoken to that way.
Excellent piece. I do however think there are plenty of pretty darn direct writers — Philip Roth, for example, in The Plot Against America (rather relevant today). But Roth’s directness never (rarely?) flattened his characters, whose 3-dimensionality was etched with tremendous subtlety.
That's interesting, Robo. I guess Steinbeck's characters might be a little flat/archetypical, but it doesn't bother me. I think it's effective. I will check out Plot Against America, though. Merlin loves that book, too.
Agreed. There really is a strong prohibition against directness, engagement and emotion in writing today.
It all strikes me as very timid and safe, this detachment that turns its back on the world.
Exactly, thank you.
Brilliant!!
Thank you 😁
So insane to see how the Nytimes turned on him over the course of 13 years. I guess he wasn’t in love enough with 1950s America!
I thought was quite fascinating too 👀
Excellent piece. I do however think there are plenty of pretty darn direct writers — Philip Roth, for example, in The Plot Against America (rather relevant today). But Roth’s directness never (rarely?) flattened his characters, whose 3-dimensionality was etched with tremendous subtlety.
That's interesting, Robo. I guess Steinbeck's characters might be a little flat/archetypical, but it doesn't bother me. I think it's effective. I will check out Plot Against America, though. Merlin loves that book, too.
True!
So true about the great gatsby and the parties that stem from it!
Thank you, yes haha. I find that a bit ironic.