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‘Crossroads’ by Jonathan Franzen

Franzen’s family trilogy takes off with this powerful new read

Best known for his 2001 publication The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen’s latest book is being hailed by critics as his best work yet. Set in December 1971, the novel revolves around the family of pastor Russ Hildebrandt and is a powerful commentary on American society. Dishing out equal servings of self-doubt, uncertainty and hesitancy, coupled with the strain of tensing relations, this book lays out a buffet of emotions that the characters in this domestic drama need to navigate over the course of 590-odd pages. Much like The Corrections, this latest book combines Franzen’s definitive narrative voice with his keen insight into the socio-political milieu around him. 

With vivid characters and his trademark humour that’s sure to evoke a bittersweet laugh from readers, in Crossroads, Franzen’s portrayal of a family tottering on the edge of various moral dilemmas, creates a novel which is compelling and thought-provoking. What’s even more exciting is that it’s only the first part of a trilogy and we can’t wait to get on this ride!

^{_{— Upasya Bhowal}}