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The Corrections
576 pages, 2001
Jonathan Franzen's third novel, The Corrections, is a great work of art and a grandly entertaining overture to our new century: a bold, comic, tragic, deeply moving family drama that stretches from the Midwest at mid-century to Wall Street and Eastern Europe in the age of greed and globalism. Franzen brings an old-time America of freight trains and civic duty, of Cub Scouts and Christmas cookies and sexual inhibitions, into brilliant collision with the modern absurdities of brain science, home surveillance, hands-off parenting, do-it-yourself mental healthcare, and the antigravity New Economy. With The Corrections , Franzen emerges as one of our premier interpreters of American society and the American soul. Enid Lambert is terribly anxious about her husband Alfred's increasing episodes of forgetfulness. There's nothing she can do about it because Alfred has become increasingly convinced that his problems aren't medical but rather spiritual in nature.
In The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen explores the complex dynamics of the Lambert family. He shows us that no matter how dysfunctional a family may seem, they are still a source of love, support, and understanding. It's a reminder to cherish our family ties, even when they're challenging.
Franzen gives us a raw and honest look into the struggles of aging through the character of Alfred Lambert. He shows us the harsh realities of dementia and how it can affect not just the individual, but the entire family. It's a call to action to be more empathetic and understanding towards our aging loved ones.
The Corrections digs into the pressures of societal expectations. Each character in the book is grappling with their own personal failures and successes, often dictated by what society deems acceptable. It's a great reminder to define our own success and not let society dictate our worth.
Franzen's book teaches us the power of forgiveness. The Lambert family members all have their flaws and make mistakes, but they learn to forgive each other. It's a lesson for us all to let go of grudges and forgive, not just others, but also ourselves.
In The Corrections, mental health issues are portrayed through various characters. Franzen doesn't shy away from showing the reality of dealing with these issues. It's a reminder for us to take mental health seriously and to be supportive of those who are struggling.
Quotes 4
The Corrections is a masterpiece of American fiction.
Stephen King - Horror Fiction AuthorThe Corrections is a deeply moving family drama that I couldn't put down.
Oprah Winfrey - TV Host, PhilanthropistFranzen has written a book that's not just great, it's significant.
Michiko Kakutani - Literary CriticThe Corrections is a reminder of the heights literature can attain.
Zadie Smith - Novelist, Essayist
