Smoke and mirrors?
Nice to see someone slaughter a sacred cow with calm precision and lots of evidence.
The Atlantic critic BR Myers doesn't find much to like in Denis Johnson's Tree of Smoke.
Judging from his critique, it's probably not worth the fulsome blurbs of people such as Johnathan Franzen - whom I do respect.
The Atlantic critic BR Myers doesn't find much to like in Denis Johnson's Tree of Smoke.
Judging from his critique, it's probably not worth the fulsome blurbs of people such as Johnathan Franzen - whom I do respect.
There is no point in dwelling on the story line, because even some of the book’s admirers have conceded its sluggishness and overlength—albeit with some humbug about how flaws make a good novel more likable, perfection being such a turnoff, etc. As for the action, it never feels authentic. Soldiers do not laugh in unison or call out frantically for M&Ms during a sudden and intense firefight, nor would a soldier crawling through bush find the attendant lacerations “exhilarating.” Not once does the reader feel fear or tension.I've got two of Johnson's, including the much acclaimed (!) Jesus' Son, but they were Amazon purchases ages ago that I have not managed to read yet. I'll give them a go. Just as soon as I get them out of storage. Should I bother?
posted by Mark Broatch at 8:45 PM
2 Comments:
Yes, you should definitely read Jesus' Son.
Thanks. Yes, that looks the most compelling. Have it in hardback too, which is always impressive at the beach.
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