Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen Book Review

I recently finished Jonathan Franzen's sixth novel, Crossroads, and I'm pleased to report that it's a brilliant plot with plenty of heart and ideas. I'm also impressed by Franzen's careful interweaving of story and theme. The author's professional distinction is in the meticulous interweaving of story and theme, and his prose can be a real turn-off to some readers. Nonetheless, if you're a fan of Franzen's work, you're likely to enjoy it more than hate it.

Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen

Jonathan Franzen's latest novel, Crossroads, is a compelling tale of faith and change. As a novelist, he has made it his goal to bring the individual reader back to themselves, and the writing is nothing short of brilliant. In doing so, Franzen has managed to capture the essence of humanity without compromising the satirical sensibilities that have characterized his previous work. Despite its flaws, this is a book to be recommended to fans of fiction. The novel's sweeping narrative is marked by its attention to moral and religious issues.

Unlike other Franzen novels, Crossroads is much warmer and more humane, and the book's image and intellect are considerably weightier than previous ones. The author patiently clears space between events and characters to allow the chiming of themes and the rise and fall of characters. In the process, he has managed to reinvigorate the contemporary novel.

The religious elements of Crossroads elevate its minutiae to a level that makes it a highly entertaining read. Scripture tells us that our earthly lives are but a fleeting moment, and God sees the tiniest details as important. Similarly, Russ's children - Clem, the disillusioned eldest, Becky, and the precocious Perry - are a constant presence throughout the book. Russ' wife, Marion, is the knotted and depressed spouse who resents her husband's 'charisma'.

Author Russ Hildebrandt humiliated

In Jonathan Franzen's novel, Crossroads, Russ Hildebrandt, an associate minister, is severely humiliated by his wife and children. He is a former Mennonite, an associate pastor of a suburban church in 1971. He marched alongside Stokely Carmichael, loves Dylan Thomas, and possesses a deep knowledge of the blues. Despite his progressive credentials, Russ is a victim of his insecurities. As the book opens, Russ tries to rebuild his confidence by having an affair with Frances. However, his attempts to rebuild his faith fail miserably. His family members are a mess. Russ' oldest son Clem struggles with guilt over not being accepted to college.

The brilliant Perry learns that his bipolar disorder is exacerbated by the use of certain drugs. Becky, the golden child, falls for a shaggy-haired Christian rocker. Marion, a widow and part of the parish, unravels from a phobia of Santa Claus. The novel is a satire on the suburban church culture and religious faith, and Franzen's piercing characters are both interesting and believable. His never-ending parsing style makes him the 21st-century Nathaniel Hawthorne. The novel is not for those looking for a sweeping, emotional novel, but a literary masterpiece nonetheless.

Author Russ Hildebrandt was humiliated by Russ Hildebrandt

In "Crossroads," author Jonathan Franzen chronicles the life and times of associate pastor Russ Hildebrandt. In 1970s New Prospect, Russ is an associate pastor at a suburban church. He resents his charismatic pastor, Rick Ambrose, and his restless wife Marion. But he isn't the only one suffering from humiliation.

Russ's problems with teenagers are not rooted in his squareness or lack of ability. Russ's piety is rooted in his infatuation with Frances, his secretary. Russ is trying to get Frances to fall in love with him through charity work for his inner-city church in Chicago, and his wife is getting impatient with him. The Hildebrandt's have a lot to lose. Russ is the associate pastor and once marched with Stokely Carmichael. He no longer finds his wife attractive and entertains the idea of having an affair with the young parishioner. Russ's wife, Marion, has dedicated herself to motherhood. But she has her secrets and a complicated past.

The Hildebrandt's live in a midwestern suburb, and their entire worth is measured by the "niceness scale." Niceness is a simulacrum of goodness and may not have substance. Russ and Marion are "Very Nice," while their three sons are doing Not Nice things. This is the way things will go until Clem finally realizes that his father isn't "Nice," and he needs to face this reality head-on.