Netherland: A Novel
by Joseph O'Neill

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Book Reviews of Netherland: A Novel

Book Review: It's good but nothing to run out to store to buy!
Summary: 3 Stars

Summary of Netherland: A Novel

Question: President Obama mentioned in a New York Times Magazine profile that he's reading Netherland. How do you feel about the President reading your book?

Joseph O'Neill: I'm very honored, of course.

Joseph O'Neill: The story takes place in the aftermath of 9/11. One of the things it does is try to evoke the disorientation and darkness of that time, which we only emerged from with the election of President Obama.

Joseph O'Neill: I love sport and play cricket and golf myself. Sport is a wonderful way to bring together people who would otherwise have no connection to each other.

Joseph O'Neill: Halfway through the book I realized with a slightly sinking feeling that the plot of Netherland was eerily reminiscent of the Gatsby plot: dreamer drowns, bystander remembers. But there are only about 5 plots in existence, so I didn't let it bother me too much. Fitzgerald thankfully steered clear of cricket.

Joseph O'Neill: Yes, I would agree with that comment. This is not a novel of eventful twists and turns. It is more like a long-form international cricket match (which can last for 5 days without a winner emerging), about nuance and ambiguity and small slippages of insight. And about language, of course.

(Photo ? Lisa Acherman)

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