Dwight Garner appears to want to fill the vacancy left by Michiko. Doing a good job, I would say. I for one am appreciative.
24
Dwight Garner's reviews are always so funny, especially when he's turned off by a book. Not sure why other commentators are up in arms about the review--it is just that, a review, and writers, no matter how important, are not going to have a career without occasionally receiving a critical one from prominent critics. I do hope there's going to be a collection of some of Garner's more critical reviews--that would be a fun read. Of course, I've enjoyed some of the books Garner pokes fun at, but when he does, it is often--I find--on point and revealing. (I'm reminded, for example, of his review of Ocean Vuong's novel.)
14
Once again we can rely on a critic to be quite perfectly on the wrong side of everything. McCann is one of our living masters. If it's too hard to follow his book because there are lots of spaces in it or because (gasp!) he takes himself and his content seriously, then maybe it's time to throw up your jazz hands and make your exit.
24
A witty critique of such a well-established, extremely successful novelist who routinely positions himself as a high artist and moral philosopher--a review that transcends the terms of established by that author and offers provocative thoughts on a whole genre as well as on an acutely dysfunctional and painful political situation--is always welcome. And just because this review is exhilarating to read does not make it a hatchet job. I love this piece.
25
Ugh! Did this reviewer intentionally do what he is accusing McCann of doing?
“McCann takes their story and drops it to the ground, where it shatters. “. Yep. Are we supposed to be impressed with the reviewers description of a “ jazz hands” novel? What does that even mean? Or perhaps his reference to Bob Geldorf / Ethiopia/ Live Aid? I think the reviewer ought to stop being so impressed with his own allusions and review the novel.
41
@Demelza agreed.
13
I sense that you're holding back. C'mon, Dwight, what did you really think of "apeirogon"?
11
Yes, but aside from that, did you like it? OMG, I cannot think of a hit this brutal, on a well-respected writer's work.
11
This is an amazingly harsh review; bordering on mean-spirited. I've not read the novel, but come on! Can't you write a review with more humor and less self-importance yourself?
54
"Good-Intentioned"?
7
The Times is now citing Twitter in book reviews as a form of criticism . . . smh.
10
I am glad that Garner is taking to task the paragraph shard trend so widely practiced in MFA programs these days. It has begun to feel lazy, self-conscious, pretentious, and lemming like. Ironic that Garner quotes Twitter in his review.
19
This review is rather harsh...but I'll wait to see if I agree after I've read the book. I've enjoyed McCann's other works, and I hope I find something of value in this one.
13
I also read and reviewed this novel and have several thoughts. Mostly, I agree with the assessment here, though I did find certain passages achingly beautiful. Mostly I wanted to comment to offer my sincere gratitude at the "apricot-colored scarf" line. When you can sneak a Carly Simon reference into a NYTimes book review, you, sir, are doing something right.
27
Colum McCann with a new book? Cause for celebration, not cerebral naysaying. Some of us get his humor; it’s deeply knowing, not superficial or trite. I’m ready to hear his tale. Bring it on.
21
Even in his good books, McCann is always a smug voice for the self-evidently righteous. He is the literary equivalent of U2: capable of real beauty, but always undercut by a creeping sense that he wants more than anything to be admired for his "humanity."
That gross ambition isn't palpable in actually humane writers (like Toni Morrison, Philip Roth, Richard Ford, etc.). It comes down to taste and a sense of humor, two things McCann sorely lacks.
Thankfully, Dwight Garner (and plenty of other strong writers) have both.
36
@Myles Well observed. As the publicity pic of McCann gazing thoughtfully into the distance show, the whole thing seems rather precious -- somehow he manages to rest his thoughtful chin on TWO artfully arranged fists.
Reminds me of when those very "deep" students wandered around campus emitting Nietzschean profundities sotto voce in coffee shops. I guess there's a place for everything, though. I'd rather contemplate Nietzsche (or even McCann) than, say, an illiterate and decidedly non-gem distributing trump.
8
I would say rather than self-righteous, earnest. McCann is the real deal— he runs a non-profit to promote dialogue over violence and was physically attacked in CT when he intervened to help a woman under assault. He isn’t trying to seem humane— he actually IS humane, and one of the most decent people you could ever meet.
55
I’m sorry to read this scathing review of a book I’ve been looking forward to reading. But based on how much I’ve liked his earlier books I still intend to show up at my local bookstore on the day of release and get a copy.
45
I’ll join you. And remind you that critics have no monopoly on truth, only opinions. I wonder if Mr. Garner has ever been to Palestine like Mr. McCann? I suspect not.
23
@Julie There's the spirit! But you have to remember, if critics became rubber stamps for the publishing industry then no one would read the reviews anymore. This was a brilliant review.
11