Quick Take

Jonathan Franzen's Freedom was the runaway most-discussed novel of 2010, an ambitious and searching engagement with life in America in the twenty-first century. In The New York Times Book Review, Sam Tanenhaus proclaimed it "a masterpiece of American fiction" and lauded its illumination, "through the steady radiance of its author's profound moral intelligence, [of] the world we thought we knew."In Farther Away , which gathers together essays and speeches written mostly in the past five years, Franzen returns with renewed vigor to the themes, both human and literary, that have long preoccupied him. Whether recounting his violent encounter with bird poachers in Cyprus, examining his mixed feelings about the suicide of his friend and rival David Foster Wallace, or offering a moving and witty take on the ways that technology has changed how people express their love, these pieces deliver on Franzen's implicit promise to conceal nothing. On a trip to China to see first-hand the environmental devastation there, he doesn't omit mention of his excitement and awe at the pace of China's economic development; the trip becomes a journey out of his own prejudice and moral condemnation. Taken together, these essays trace the progress of unique and mature mind wrestling with itself, with literature, and with some of the most important issues of our day. Farther Away is remarkable, provocative, and necessary.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Farther Away

Introduction

"Farther Away" by Jonathan Franzen is a collection of essays and speeches written mostly in the past five years. Franzen, the author of "The Corrections" and "Freedom," returns with renewed vigor to the themes that have long preoccupied him. In this book, he explores topics such as technology, literature, and some of the most important issues of our day. Franzen's essays are known for their sharp intellect, earnest expression, and the ability to conceal nothing. In this review, we will delve into the views of readers, analyze common opinions, and summarize the reasons for recommending and not recommending this book.

About Jonathan Franzen

Jonathan Franzen is an American author known for his thought-provoking and challenging works. He has written several novels, including "The Corrections," which won the National Book Award for fiction. Franzen's essays and nonfiction books have garnered critical acclaim, and he is known for his ability to tackle complex issues with honesty and insight. His writing style is characterized by a blend of intellectual prowess, emotional depth, and a willingness to explore controversial topics.

Analysis of Views

Technology and Social Media: Many readers appreciated Franzen's dissection of modern technology, particularly his critique of social media platforms like Facebook. He explores the desire for likability and the need for authenticity, contrasting the former with genuine connections. Franzen's insights into the impact of technology on human relationships resonated with readers who found his writing challenging and thought-provoking.
Literary Interviews: Franzen's essays on literary interviews were also well-received by readers. He critiques the current state of literary interviews and expresses his frustration with the superficiality of many conversations. His insights into the art of writing and the importance of literature were appreciated by readers who share his passion for literature.
Birdwatching and Nature: Franzen's fascination with birds and nature has been a recurring theme in his essays. Readers who share his interest in birdwatching found his explorations of bird species and their habitats engaging and informative. Franzen's passion for birds shines through his writing, making it a delightful read for nature enthusiasts.
Personal Reflections: Some readers appreciated Franzen's willingness to delve into personal experiences and explore his own thoughts and feelings. His essays on topics such as mental illness, friendship, and solitude resonated with those who value introspection and self-reflection. Franzen's honesty and vulnerability in these essays made them relatable and impactful for readers who appreciate authenticity in writing.
Critique of Society: Many readers found Franzen's critiques of society, particularly his examination of issues such as environmental destruction and the impact of technology on intimacy, thought-provoking and insightful. His ability to connect these issues to broader societal trends made his essays both informative and engaging.

Reasons for Recommendation

Thought-Provoking Insights: Readers recommend this book for its thought-provoking insights into technology, literature, and contemporary society. Franzen's ability to tackle complex issues with honesty and depth makes it a compelling read for those seeking intellectual stimulation.
Challenging Writing Style: Franzen's writing style, characterized by its intellectual prowess, emotional depth, and willingness to explore controversial topics, appeals to readers who appreciate challenging literature. His ability to challenge conventional thinking and push boundaries makes him a highly recommended author for those seeking thought-provoking reads.
Personal Reflections: The personal reflections and introspective nature of Franzen's essays resonate with readers who value authenticity in writing. His willingness to delve into personal experiences and share his own thoughts and feelings makes his writing relatable and impactful for those seeking self-reflection.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Coherence: Some readers found the lack of coherence in the collection to be a drawback. The inclusion of various essays, speeches, book reviews, interviews, and personal reflections made it difficult for some readers to follow the overall narrative or find a central theme connecting the pieces together. This lack of coherence may deter readers seeking a more structured reading experience.
Technology Critiques: For those who are not particularly interested in technology or social media, some essays on these topics may feel less relevant or engaging. While Franzen's critiques of technology are insightful, they may not resonate with readers who do not share his fascination with these subjects.

Conclusion

"Farther Away" by Jonathan Franzen is a collection of essays that explores themes such as technology, literature, and contemporary society. Readers appreciate Franzen's thought-provoking insights, challenging writing style, personal reflections, and critiques of society. While some readers found the lack of coherence in the collection a drawback, others enjoyed the diverse range of topics covered in the book. Overall, "Farther Away" is recommended for those seeking intellectual stimulation, challenging literature, and insights into contemporary issues from a thoughtful and reflective author like Jonathan Franzen.