Jonathan Franzen Thinks People Can Change
New York magazine|October 11 - 24, 2021
Even if his new book suggests it’s nearly impossible to make it stick.
By Merve Emre
Jonathan Franzen Thinks People Can Change

In the first pages of his new novel, Crossroads, Jonathan Franzen introduces us to Russ Hildebrandt, a man who, soon after, berates himself as a “fatuous, obsolete, repellent clown.” Three years earlier, Russ, an associate minister from a Mennonite background, was expelled from his church youth group— for his uncoolness, he claims. Now, two days before Christmas 1971, he is nursing his wounded pride by lusting after a sexy parishioner. Over the next several hundred pages, naïve and self­deceiving Russ remains insensible to the desires of his wife, Marion, who makes plans to reunite with her old flame and rediscover her former uninhibited self. Both parents, in turn, are oblivious to their four children, as the eldest three begin to fall into disrepair in various historically appropriate ways.

The first book of a three­part “supernovel,” Crossroads (see “Critics,” p.74) is preoccupied with not only the difficulty of wanting to be good amid the rising tides of temptation and doubt but whether being an essentially good person and wanting to be perceived as one are incompatible desires. Perhaps because I had just finished the book, there were moments during my interview with Franzen when I couldn’t dispel the disapproving, combative feeling that Franzen himself was intent on coming across as a good man. But my suspicions were dissolved by his humor,his thoughtfulness, and his impassioned defense of novels and their enduring ethical function. “I hope this has been moderately fun for you,” he said as our call neared its end. “God bless you for doing this.”

Esta historia es de la edición October 11 - 24, 2021 de New York magazine.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición October 11 - 24, 2021 de New York magazine.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE NEW YORK MAGAZINEVer todo
Trapped in Time
New York magazine

Trapped in Time

A woman relives the same day in a stunning Danish novel.

time-read
6 minutos  |
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2024
Polyphonic City
New York magazine

Polyphonic City

A SOFT, SHIMMERING beauty permeates the images of Mumbai that open Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light. For all the nighttime bustle on display-the heave of people, the constant activity and chaos-Kapadia shoots with a flair for the illusory.

time-read
3 minutos  |
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2024
Lear at the Fountain of Youth
New York magazine

Lear at the Fountain of Youth

Kenneth Branagh's production is nipped, tucked, and facile.

time-read
5 minutos  |
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2024
A Belfast Lad Goes Home
New York magazine

A Belfast Lad Goes Home

After playing some iconic Americans, Anthony Boyle is a beloved IRA commander in a riveting new series about the Troubles.

time-read
5 minutos  |
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2024
The Pluck of the Irish
New York magazine

The Pluck of the Irish

Artists from the Indiana-size island continue to dominate popular culture. Online, they've gained a rep as the \"good Europeans.\"

time-read
8 minutos  |
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2024
Houston's on Houston
New York magazine

Houston's on Houston

The Corner Store is like an upscale chain for downtown scene-chasers.

time-read
3 minutos  |
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2024
A Brownstone That's Pink Inside
New York magazine

A Brownstone That's Pink Inside

Artist Vivian Reiss's Murray Hill house of whimsy.

time-read
3 minutos  |
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2024
These Jeans Made Me Gay
New York magazine

These Jeans Made Me Gay

The Citizens of Humanity Horseshoe pants complete my queer style.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2024
Manic, STONED, Throttle, No Brakes
New York magazine

Manic, STONED, Throttle, No Brakes

Less than six months after her Gagosian sölu show, the artist JAMIAN JULIANO-VILLAND lost her gallery and all her money and was preparing for an exhibition with two the biggest living American artists.

time-read
10+ minutos  |
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2024
WHO EVER THOUGHT THAT BRIGHT PINK MEAT THAT LASTS FOR WEEKS WAS A GOOD IDEA?
New York magazine

WHO EVER THOUGHT THAT BRIGHT PINK MEAT THAT LASTS FOR WEEKS WAS A GOOD IDEA?

Deli Meat Is Rotten

time-read
10+ minutos  |
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2024