From the print and online editions of the nation's premier urban-policy magazine http://www.city-journal.org/cj-comments.xml?story=6516 Manhattan Institute The comparison with Faulks' "A Week in December" is telling. It reveals, IMO the cowardice we see in so many post 9/11 novels: the total absence of any writing that might be considered negative about Islam (definitely nothing negative about Muhammad!) or death threats might well result. Hence so many good novelists simply avoid the problem with a story set in an earlier time. It is disgusting what Muslim intimidation has done to modern literature. We see what fear can do to a man in the case of Faulks. He makes a groveling apology with complements to Islam and Muhammad - a nauseating Stockholm Syndrome for all to see. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#2739 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#2739 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:43:18 EST Good essay. Here's an exercise a friend suggested for those who find genius in Franzen's prose: Read the first few pages of Shane. Then read the first few of The Corrections. I did, and her point was well-taken. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1588 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1588 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:24:35 EDT Indeed, thank you, Brendan, for this. I think "Corrections" will be my 1st and last effort to enrich Mr. Franzen. So much else out there. Good luck to you. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1540 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1540 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:56:14 EDT I will say from the outset, thank you Mr. Bernhard for your review of Freedom. After having slogged through Corrections, I had not planned to pick up anything else from the hand of Franzen, but your insight of this latest writing gave me pause and I will work on it. You really said what I've thought about his work and yet give him his due. I did appreciate and enjoy your writings and look forward to reading more of YOU!! http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1532 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1532 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 08:47:17 EDT An interesting review by an intelligent reader who actually has an opinion and isn't just repeating all the other positive reviews. Anna http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1521 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1521 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 20:03:07 EDT Pretty good! Like it! Gr. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1512 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1512 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:30:41 EDT Equating war-profiteering with sports gambling is precisely why we have moronic laws, of all sorts, restricting personal 'freedom' in this country. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1428 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1428 Sat, 18 Sep 2010 10:23:48 EDT Thanks for the great review. You just helped me save $28. The book sounds like typical liberal mealy-mouthed whining and hand-wringing. I'd rather read something that celebrates the sacrifices made by Americans in pursuit of freedom - for themselves and others. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1413 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6516#1413 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 22:18:46 EDT