Sunday Salon: Netherland
By Kristen on Jan 11, 2009 in Future Classics...?, Reviews, The Sunday Salon
Netherland by Joseph O’Neill
**Discussion Questions available!
Release date: 2008 / 256 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): In a New York City made phantasmagorical by the events of 9/11, Hans — a banker originally from the Netherlands — finds himself marooned among the strange occupants of the Chelsea Hotel after his English wife and son return to London.
First line: “The afternoon before I left London for New York — Rachel had flown out six weeks previously — I was in my cubicle at work, boxing up my possessions, when a senior vice-president at the bank, an Englishman in his fifties, came to wish me well.”
Review: I was so excited to read this that I was afraid I would be disappointed — especially when I realized it was largely set in New York City. As I’ve frequently commented, lately I have found books in and about NYC to be pretty predictable and myopic. But, happily, Netherland is neither and I thoroughly enjoyed it — especially the beginning and end.
After the first few pages — 10, I think? — I excitedly told my husband that it lived up to the hype and just might be the next Pulitzer winner. O’Neill’s writing is beautiful — effortless, yet substantial. His narrator is so credible and likeable, even though he is surviving the worst years of his life. And the backdrop of cricket and New York are wonderfully metaphorical, as well believably realized. O’Neill even found his way through 9/11 in a subtle yet meaningful way.
In addition, the barely-there glimpses of The Great Gatsby are appropriate and fresh. Chuck Ramkissoon certainly has Gatsby-like qualities and is larger than life in his persona and in his weakness. He embraces America and New York in such a fatalistic and joyous way that we can’t help but be anxious. Even Hans, the narrator, is like a much more credible and likeable Nick Carraway. And the “American Dream” is portrayed in its glory as well as its emptiness.
Which leads me to the absolutely perfect ending. I won’t “spoil” it — but after recently reading a series of “theme-less” novels that left this reader wondering, “So What?” I can tell you that this ending will answer that question and most likely leave you, too, in happy tears.
Anyone else read this yet? I would love to hear your impressions!
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It looks like you’re enjoying it more than I did. My review is here
http://readywhenyouarecb.blogspot.com/search?q=netherland
Wait until you’re finished before you read it. I was so drawn in at first that I read 80 pages in one sitting and forgot to feed my dogs. Then I kind of lost interest. But, I hope you continue to enjoy it.
CB James | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
I don’t think it can win the Pulitzer because O’Neill is not American and eligibility is ‘for distinguished fiction by an American author, preferably dealing with American life.’
I had mixed feelings about this book. There are some who say Hans is an unreliable narrator, and if so, the ramifications are pretty significant.
3m | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Here is a good post discussing the possibilities:
(CAUTION: Huge spoilers for those who haven’t read the book. Don’t go there!)
http://oneminutebookreviews.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/
3m | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Of course!! I forgot that qualification of the Pulitzer… Thanks for the reminder!
I never read reviews of a book until I have finished reading it, and so I had not read about the possibility that Hans might not be credible.
I would love to discuss this novel with a book club regarding this. Some of the theories regarding just how “unreliable” he might be seem incredible… It’s more interesting to consider how unreliable we all felt after 9/11 (rather than ascribe crimes to Hans), in my opinion.
Thanks for the comment~!
Kristen | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
I enjoyed reading your review, too, CB! I agree that the first 1/3rd or 1/2 was stronger than the conclusion. It doesn’t quite live up to its early promise… but I still really enjoyed it!
Kristen | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
I was so intrigued by the idea that Hans might be unreliable, that I googled a bit… Honestly, I just didn’t think there was much evidence for this theory, but was afraid I was guilty of a superficial reading!
In my 2 minute search, I didn’t find anyone else who believed Hans was unreliable, but I did find some other interesting reviews:
http://workbench.cadenhead.org/news/3394/review-netherland-joseph-oneill
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2008/05/26/080526crbo_books_wood?currentPage=1
http://blog.oregonlive.com/visualarts/2008/06/review_joseph_oneills_netherla.html
Kristen | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
I’m waiting, waiting, waiting for this to arrive at the library. In the meantime, I’ve been notified that Sea of Poppies is in. I’ve heard both very good and very bad remarks abou it.
debnance | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Oh good!! I just read Poppies — my biggest piece of advice is to keep reading… I found it a bit overwhelming at first, but ultimately loved it… Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Kristen | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
sounds like a good book to me! I’m looking to start reading more books that are outside what I usually read, so this one might do the trick!
Thanks
Art | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
What do you normally read, Art? I, too, tried to read outside my usual milieu last year and really enjoyed it…
Kristen | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
I’m so glad you liked Netherland because I really didn’t. I love how you characterized the writing as “beautiful– effortless yet substantial.” I think that is exactly right. My downfall was I just couldn’t connect with Hans. I wanted to read Rachel’s story! Not fair at all and no fault of the book. I blame my so-so feelings on my own mood at the time I read it. I think it would be fabulous to discuss in a book club. It might actually spark me to re-read it.
Heidi | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for the comment and kind words, Heidi! Good point about wanting to read Rachel’s story… Me too!
Kristen | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply