American Pastoral
Ratings75
Average rating3.6
Added to listAmerican Fictionwith 50 books.
Most people in my book club did not enjoy reading this book. I'm not sure I did either, but it sticks to the ribs. It's trying to be a Great American Novel. I don't think it succeeds, but it's definitely a Very Good American Novel. The ending is bonkers.
Also: in a post-Trump world, I'd love to go back and read the paragraphs about the "indigenous American berserk." I bet that captured a real "the cruelty is the point" energy.
Most people in my book club did not enjoy reading this book. I'm not sure I did either, but it sticks to the ribs. It's trying to be a Great American Novel. I don't think it succeeds, but it's definitely a Very Good American Novel. The ending is bonkers.
Also: in a post-Trump world, I'd love to go back and read the paragraphs about the "indigenous American berserk." I bet that captured a real "the cruelty is the point" energy.