Netherland: A Novel by Joseph O'Neill
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Book Reviews of Netherland: A Novel
Book Review: A European in New York City, Post 9-11
Summary: 5 Stars
Mr. O'Neill has published a rambling account of one family's encounter with the attacks upon the World Trade Center and its impact upon the marrage of Rachel and Hans van de Broek. The writing is riveting and compelling as Hans is the first person narrator who tells his story in a stream of consciousness. For the reader looking for a linear story, this is not that novel. But it is also a novel about cricket (the sport), the men who play it, and Hans' friendship with Chuck Ramkissoon of Trinidad. This opens up the novel to be a tale of New York City surviving 9-11. This is one of the few times where a book is too short.Book Review: Superb
Summary: 5 Stars
The story of Hans, a Dutch man by origin, who is living in New York where after 9/11 his own life falls apart when his British wife goes back to London, taking their son with her. In his loneliness Hans is driven to cricket, the sport of his childhood in the Netherlands. And he befriends Chuck Ramkissoon, also an immigrant, who plans to build a cricket stadium. Superbly written. This declaration of love for New York City, combined with memories of a Dutch childhood and the struggles of having to rebuild your life made me feel as close to this main character as seldom before.Book Review: subtle, no need for big gestures, in short: my type of writer
Summary: 5 Stars
For me a big surprise to come across a writer I hadn't read or heard of before, who is so in synchrony with my own way of thinking. No big words, gestures or hollowness, but instead to the point, sharp as a razor and 'my generation' (born in the early sixties). After reading Netherland I got hold of copies of his two other novels, his debut "This is the Life" (1991) and "The Breezes" (1995). O'Neill also did write a marvelous non fiction work of both his grandfathers, one in prison in Ireland and the other in Palestina at some time during the wars there. A must readBook Review: Exquisite writing; a nearly "perfect" work of art.
Summary: 5 Stars
I, too, thought of Fitzgerald when I read this; "Gatsby" came to mind, the "perfect" novel. I don't understand the readers who were so negative about it. It's gorgeous, with lovely, rolling sentences and a wonderful, tragic view of the world after an apocalyptic event. I knew nothing about cricket, now I can't wait to learn more. What a lovely, lovely work of art. I hope this writer graces us with much more for years to come. Such deft prose is rare.Book Review: Gorgeous Prose
Summary: 5 Stars
There's more humanity, intelligence and compassion in these pages than in all the past ten books I've read combined. For those without patience it might prove slow-going, boring even. But for those who appreciate a deeply literate prose, fascinating characters and classic narrative storytelling, there is much to enjoy in O'Neill's realistic take on post-9/11 America. One of the best books I've read in years.