Thanks, Barb! As the Book Club member who agreed with you (so thankful we didn’t talk about it beforehand!) I kept thinking about the way generational trauma (the Holocaust) was compared to the family’s singular trauma (the kidnapping) and how that’s tied to culture and identity. What do we do with generational trauma? I think that’s what the book was supposed to be about. It partly didn’t work because the kidnapping seemed so trivial in comparison, and Carl was a non-character ultimately, for the reasons you mention. Important conversation, but such a missed opportunity in this book. And I adored Fleishman Is In Trouble!
Well...as one of those Radio Free Book Club members who did like the book, let me say that there's a lot of your critique I agree with. Each of the Fletcher kids' sections of Long Island Compromise was probably too long, and there was nothing particularly insightful about it. I thought it had plenty of problems. In the end, though, it was hilarious, and maybe that was enough for me.
Having said that, I read Long Island Compromise before I read Fleishman Is in Trouble, which I thought was brilliant. I might have a different reaction if I'd read Fleishman first. Regardless, it was a lot of Taffy Brodesser-Akner all at once.
https://open.substack.com/pub/mkhanshahani/p/severe-insights-that-will-work-on?r=4q2315&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Thanks, Mary.
A really interesting critique. I will remember your remark about how the story was “told and not revealed.”
I agree. Such rich possibilities missed. Also, it didn't help that the opening sets you up for a thriller but doesn't pay off at all in that regard.
Thanks. It really was interesting the way they played off of each other in my mind.
Thanks, Barb! As the Book Club member who agreed with you (so thankful we didn’t talk about it beforehand!) I kept thinking about the way generational trauma (the Holocaust) was compared to the family’s singular trauma (the kidnapping) and how that’s tied to culture and identity. What do we do with generational trauma? I think that’s what the book was supposed to be about. It partly didn’t work because the kidnapping seemed so trivial in comparison, and Carl was a non-character ultimately, for the reasons you mention. Important conversation, but such a missed opportunity in this book. And I adored Fleishman Is In Trouble!
Great analysis of two books in juxtaposition--def'ly helps to understand why one is more successful (as a piece of art, and with readers).
It's a very tricky think to do.
Very interesting column. I have some “purposeful” recounting in my WIP after the climax. Lots to think about.
Thanks for mentioning "Fleishman," which I loved! Just went back and made a link to Radio Free Book Club!
Well...as one of those Radio Free Book Club members who did like the book, let me say that there's a lot of your critique I agree with. Each of the Fletcher kids' sections of Long Island Compromise was probably too long, and there was nothing particularly insightful about it. I thought it had plenty of problems. In the end, though, it was hilarious, and maybe that was enough for me.
Having said that, I read Long Island Compromise before I read Fleishman Is in Trouble, which I thought was brilliant. I might have a different reaction if I'd read Fleishman first. Regardless, it was a lot of Taffy Brodesser-Akner all at once.
Thanks, Barb. See you 'round the clubhouse.
This is such an interesting review. It makes me want to read both books, in hopes of learning how to avoid "and then, and then ... ". Thank you!!