Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
by Jenners • 01/24/2011 • 4.5 Stars, F Authors, F Titles, Fiction, Literary • 82 Comments
Freedom by Jonathan FranzenPublisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2010
Pages: 562
Genre: Literary Fiction
Where I Got It: Received it as a gift for my birthday
My Rating: 4.5 stars
When I was at the halfway point of this book, I still wasn’t sure if I liked it or not. It felt dense and depressing, and I wasn’t liking the characters all that much. But when I got two-thirds of the way through, the book—and the characters—started to grow on me. And, as I came to the end, I found myself weeping and filled with admiration for Franzen. By the end, I cared deeply for these characters—these flawed people who are trying their damnedest to make a connection and screwing it up over and over.
But let’s start at the beginning. This is book about a marriage—specifically the flawed and very f$%ked up marriage of Walter and Patty Berglund. We first glimpse the Berglunds through the eyes of their Minnesota neighbors. Patty, former college athlete and now a stay-at-home mom, is envied and liked, yet she tends to alienate people. Walter, too nice to dislike, is truly her better half. We get a peek into some of the issues that the Berglund family is facing—with the biggest scandal being the rebellion of their 16-year-old son Joey, who chooses to leave the family home to live with the next-door neighbors.
From there, we read Patty Berglund’s autobiography, aptly entitled “Mistakes Were Made.” Written as a therapeutic exercise during a bout of depression, we get Patty’s view of her childhood and her courtship with Walter. It is in this document that we learn of a critical third party in the Berglund marriage—musician Richard Katz, who is both Walter’s best friend and Patty’s (somewhat) unrequited love interest.
We then get into Walter’s head (as he fights his growing discontent with Patty), Richard’s head (as he struggles with his loyalty to Walter and his attraction to Patty), and Joey’s head (as he struggles to break free from his mother, earn his father’s respect, and become his own person despite the all-encompassing love/albatross of his girlfriend Connie.) Then, when things blow up and fall apart, we revisit Patty as she continues her autobiography. Finally, coming full circle, we glimpse the Berglunds through the eyes of new Minnesota neighbors—and these Berglunds are very very different from the couple we met at the start of the book.
This structure makes for an interesting reading experience. We view each character through several prisms. Patty seen through her eyes is different from the Patty we see through Richard, Walter and Joey’s eyes. As we experiences the Berglund’s marriage, I found myself continually changing my feelings about each character. Midway through, I was discussing the book with Sandy of You’ve GOTTA Read This! and she wrote: “I thought the characters were just a freaking mess. I would have paid money to lock their asses up in a room together just to see who would come out alive. And I often felt slimy after I’d spent some time with them.” I agree with this sentiment, but, as I continued to read, I began to soften towards them … to almost love them. Yes, they are flawed. Yes, they make mistakes. But isn’t this more realistic and truthful? Although I like to pretend otherwise, I’m more like Patty Berglund than I’d like to admit. Her struggle to be a better person is one to which I could often relate. Her belated realization that love was always right there in front of her was a revelation … and one that was rendered so realistically and truthfully that it cut to the core of my heart.
When I read Franzen’s previous novel, The Corrections, I remember feeling alienated from it. Part of it could have been that I wasn’t “ready” for a novel like that. It could also be that Franzen meant you to feel alienated. (My memory of the book is a bit hazy now … some eight years on.) At first, I was feeling the same way with Freedom. It has been heralded as An Important Book. And, like so many other Important Books, I was finding it hard to find my way to its heart. It wasn’t because Franzen’s writing is inaccessible; it just felt distant and cold. But, the more I read, the more involved I got. For me, the moment when I “crossed over” was when Walter experiences some moments of freedom toward the end of the book. At that point, I was invested and involved—and when Franzen rips out Walter’s heart, he ripped out mine too.
Aside from the examination of the Berglund’s marriage, Franzen also uses Freedom to comment on modern American life—making statements (both overtly and covertly) about 9/11, the Iraq War, consumerism, environmental issues, overpopulation, music and celebrity. These social and political issues didn’t feel disingenuous to me, and I never felt like Franzen was getting up on a soapbox at the expense of the story. For me, it made the book more grounded and current. This isn’t a book that takes place in some nebulous timeframe; parts of it take place specifically during 9/11 and the subsequent Iraq war. You know that because the characters deal with those issues (and the other mentioned above) directly and in a hands-on way. I’m sure some readers will be turned off by this aspect of the book, but I found it involving and interesting.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Franzen’s writing. He has been billed as one of our most important modern novelists, and I wouldn’t disagree with that. I marked quite a few phrases and paragraphs that really spoke to me, and I thought I’d excerpt some here.
She was like an imaginary friend who happened to be visible.
He was beginning to see, as he hadn’t in St. Paul, that things’ prices weren’t always evident at first glance: that the really big ballooning of the interest charges on his high-school pleasures might still lie ahead of him.
At the Days Inn in Beckley, they fitted identical keycards into identical doors, fifteen feet from each other, and entered rooms whose identical profound sadness only a torrid illicit liaison could have overcome.
And she knew better than to stab at an existing wound twice, but either she was the world’s most expert implier, or Joey was the world’s most sensitive inferrer. She had to merely mention an upcoming visit from her old teammate Cathy Schmidt for Joey to hear invidious criticism of Connie.
Mercifully, the ring turned up in the second of the turds he broke apart. A hardness amid softness, a clean circle within chaos.
The Dent and Dolberg houses were standing empty now, their windows darkened like the call-holding lights of emergency-hotline callers who’d finally quietly hung up….
Freedom isn’t an easy read and won’t be a good fit for everyone. You might find yourself halfway through and considering giving up. You may wonder “Why am I reading about these horrid people?” But I urge you to read on. I was on the fence for a good majority of the book (and for a 562-page book, that is a long time). But, in the end, I came to love this book and its flawed characters. I got involved and was moved. It was a book where, when I read the last page, I closed it and just sat for a moment out of respect for what I’d just read. I urge you to give it a try.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the book, the review made good reading in itself. I have to admit when I reviewed it (http://tinyurl.com/6yzvwdc) I was a little more torn, but looking around I’m certainly seeing a wide variety of opinion.
Just read your review … very well done. I think this is a divisive book — you either love it or you hate it!
I’m glad you liked it. I think it confirms for me though that I don’t want to read this. I couldn’t go more than 100 pages with out needing something to keep me in it.
If my review helped you to figure out whether this book was for you, I’m happy to be of help. However, you might find that your intense dislike of the characters in the beginning might be enough to fuel you on! HAHA!
This book grew on me after I finished it. I enjoyed the first half enough, but when the story went macro, I fell in love. I have so much respect for Franzen and the way he told this story. This one was my #11 read of 2010. It has certainly stuck with me, and I’m looking forward to reading The Corrections this year too.
I suspect we got involved at about the same part! It is a book that sticks with you. I’m really considering rereading The Corrections … it is so hazy in my mind now that I’m sure it would feel like I’m reading it for the first time.
I don’t know. I have absolutely no desire to read this. I don’t think my tastes always follow the general crowd and I have a feeling I would probably not finish this.
It sounds like you know yourself as a reader. And actually, from what I’ve seen, I’m in the minority on liking this one!
I read The Corrections over the summer and as I was recently writing my review I was reminded by how much I liked the book and was impressed by Franzen’s writing. I know I will read Freedom but need to work myself up to a book of that length!
I’m very close to rereading The Corrections as I forgot so much about it and don’t think I fully appreciated at the time. I know what you mean about having to work yourself up to a big book like that!
Sounds like a complicated and intriguing book that will reveal itself if the reader is ready for it emotionally. I’m going to put it on my list to read soon. Your review makes me want to take it on.
Guess what? I did the vlog. All 24 seconds of it.
Complication and intriguing are good descriptions … and now I have to go see your vlog!
I can tell from your review that I am not in the right place to attempt this book right now. I think I will really have to want to read it, or really be ready for something challenging, and that is definitely not my reading mood at this point. I’ve got this book on my wish list because I have heard from some bloggers that it’s worth the effort, so I guess I’ll just have to wait for the right mood to strike me.
It is one of those books where, if you read it without being in the mood for it, it won’t sit well.
Okay, I’m putting this on on my TBR list for later in the year, with a note to reread your review if I get stuck in the middle and want to give it up:)
Too funny. Put a note about p. 315 that says “Jenners says to keep on going.”
This is a great review that really makes me want to run out and pick up Freedom! I do mean to read it, though when I’ll actually be able to get a copy from the library, goodness knows. I’ve loved every quote bloggers have posted, and each blogger’s take on Freedom just makes me want to read it more. Guess I’ll start with The Corrections, though, since that’s the one I own. Silly TBR Dare!
You have more resolve than me … I would just skip to Freedom.
I do think this is a book where you get a totally different view from each person who writes about it. It is one of those types of books.
Next time I go to the library I’m going to come check out your blog to find your recommendations first. I feel like a literary bafoon (and fittingly, I probably spelled that wrong) after reading your review and these comments, but I’m commenting anyway!
I loved this exerpt: She was like an imaginary friend who happened to be visible.
It’s brilliant. I’m embarassed to say I’ve not heard of this author but I’m curious now and will check him out when I go to the library. Pun intended.
Don’t feel like you can’t comment … ever. I’m just making this stuff up as I go along. I just like to read and write about books but I don’t really know anything other than what I like or don’t like.
Love your pun!
I need to read this. I LOVE that first quote.
Great review
If you read it, I hope it “grows” on you as much as it did me.
You write a damn fine review, you know that? That is one tough book to capture in a few paragraphs…I really struggled with it. The big difference between you and I is that you warmed to it and I really didn’t. I totally admire Franzen for the immersion and the character development…it was amazing. But I never grew to like any of these characters, despite the fact that Franzen softened them all up towards the end. I haven’t had my book club meeting on this one yet, but from what I hear, most of my peeps didn’t much like it. It is a polarizing book!
It is a difficult book to summarize … so much goes on. I decided to just kind of gloss over it and give the bare basics. I bet you have a rollicking discussion. If you somehow get Franzen to attend, let me know and I’ll fly down for that one!!! : )
This has been on my TBR list for-ever. I “won” a copy of it in the library’s summer reading program but they haven’t given me my copy yet! I think I’ll have to get on the wait list for it and forget about my copy. Or I might dig around for the audio version.
PS I’m waiting on Pride & Prejudice & Zombies. I’ll let you know what I thought.
I’d complain about non-receipt of prize if I were you! That isn’t right!! I”ve heard the audio version is pretty good. While I was reading it, I thought “I bet this would be a difficult audio to pull off.” But those who’ve listened to it said the narrator did a good job.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the zombie book!
You know…sometimes I like reading a book where the characters are all such a mess that it makes me feel better about my own (at times) chaotic life. However, I’m not sure this is a book I’d enjoy right now. Who knows, maybe someday.
It is one of those that might make you feel better about your own life. But it is a book you kind of have to be in the mood to read.
I hate hate giving up on a book and usually slog through but I just gave up on Freedom – their lives were just wearing me out! BUT, after reading your review maybe I will pick it up and try again.
I so hear you!! I was getting worn out too but I kept going. Did you get to Lalitha? That was the turning point for me and how I started getting more involved. (Of course, it could be that it just wasn’t for you.)
I’ve never read Franzen but those passages you chose drew me in. I like stories about flawed people and the complications of marriage, but 2/3 is a lot to read before you start to care. Definitely don’t have time for that these days!
Well, this book is about very flawed people and a marriage that is very complicated. I could see this being a difficult read in your “current” state. I know I couldn’t have handled it right after I had my little one!
I have The Corrections on my shelf and still haven’t read it and this one too. I really wanted to read The Corrections first so I could get an idea of the body of Franzen’s work. After reading your review I am thinking I should just jump in and read this one.
I wish I could remember The Corrections more clearly but I just can’t!!!
I love to sit and ponder a book once I’m done reading it. Not all books warrant that type of a reaction, but when they do, you just sit there, stroking the cover wishing it had not ended.
I’m pretty sure this book will be on my book club’s list for this year so I’ve been holding off until then.
It would be a great book club read. So much to talk about … and I think people are going to be thinking very diverse thoughts about the characters.
are my standings on political/ social issue that obvious?
No! Just that we’ve talked about it a little bit in the past.
thanks for your thoughts on this, I am in a library queue for this book and am now quite looking forward to the read.
much love
martine
I hope you get the book soon … and I hope you like it. It is a bit of a polarizing book.
I obviously didn’t grow to love Patty as you did (my review starts off with my feelings about the “thinks with her clitoris” line), but I absolutely agree that he does a good job of making the current events a seamless part of the fiction. More than seamless–necessary.
Oh … I need to read your review!!! And Patty is hard to love, isn’t she? The whole thing that just slayed me was Lalitha and what happens with her.
I am in desperate need of a good book…having hit upon several I have not enjoyed recently…but this sounds a bit heavy at the moment.
I’m also thinking you may not be too fond of some of the political/social issues touched on in it either. And it is a heavy book (literally and figuratively).
Oh gosh, your review has given me renewed hope! I have heard so much about this book in the past few months, and most of it has been lukewarm. It’s weird though, because even though I know most people didn’t mesh with this book all that well, I think I would. I love dysfunctional family dramas, and the fact that this book moves and weaves so elegantly through the story makes me really want to pick up my copy and start with it, but I have been a little intimidated. I loved The Corrections, but also felt like I was a little removed from the central issues of the story. I am so glad to hear that this book moved you, because now I think I am ready to let it move me too!
Oh I’m excited that I inspired you to give it a go. I’m anxious to see what you think. I’m curious to see if you had the emotional reaction that I did at the end.
They published this book with mistakes left in? I don’t understand….
I read this book awhile back. I think I have to agree with your review completely. But, whew it sure did wear me out. I couldn’t put it down…I needed for the sadness to end. I am so glad he allowed them to find happiness together in the end.
Apparently, the version that was published in the UK went out with a bunch of mistakes in it. They had to pull the copies back and correct them. How this happened, I have no idea!!!
And it was an exhausting book. I am glad it had a “happy” ending too.
I read Freedom in December. It was my favorite book of 2010, but I haven’t been able to write about it yet. You’ve inspired me to try again. BTW, both my mother and sister weren’t able to finish. I loved The Corrections, too.
It is a tough one to write about … and it is a polarizing book. I actually finished it last week and wrote my review, which is unprecedented for me. I just needed to get it done while I could hold onto the feeling I had about the book.
Just as well you didn’t give up after a hundred or so pages. I’d love to find a copy of this that had all the mistakes left in.
I remember hearing about that!! That would be quite a find … and it makes me wonder what kind of mistakes were in it!!!
Oh, I loved this book and its characters from beginning to end… So true to life because we’re all a mixture of good and bad, don’t you think?
Definitely!! I think this book and its characters were so accurate in how people really are … whether we want to admit it or not. I’m sure that is why some people have so many problems with this book; they don’t want to see the negative parts of themselves reflected back at them.
I just finished The Corrections on Saturday and thought it was brilliant. The characters are horrid, but somehow Franzen makes them sympathetic. There was quite a bit of humor in The Corrections and I think without it, the tragedy would have been too much for me to deal with. Was Freedom similar?
I’ve heard that Freedom was up for the Bad Sex Award. How bad was it?
If Freedom is in anyway like The Corrections, I think I’ll love it.
I almost want to read The Corrections again … it has been so long that I’ve forgotten so much of it. There was some definite humor in this book as well … if you find searching for a wedding ring in turds humorous! HAHA!
I’m not sure about the Bad Sex Award or what that meant. There are some definite graphic sex scenes but they seem so critical to the story and the character’s relationship that I didn’t find them gratuitous.
I think if you loved The Corrections, you should definitely read Freedom. (And you don’t have to wait 9 years for it!!!)
I do find turds humorous! I think the Bad Sex Award is kind of tongue in cheek. They just give awards for really badly written sex scenes. Here is a link.
http://www.literaryreview.co.uk/badsex.html
The Corrections had some graphic sex scenes as well, but I agree that they were necessary for the reader to understand the characters. I’m really looking forward to reading Freedom!
Well, for me, the turd scene was the comic centerpiece of the book. And I have a tendency to blank out on sex scenes … I just forget about them easily and then recommend books and then people say “What the heck??!!!”" and I’m like “OH yeah … forgot about that.”
There are definite rewards to be had if you invest patience in an artist’s process.
Very well put. I’m glad I invested in Franzen’s process …. it was so worth it.
your reviews always leave me wanting to run out and buy the book, regardless of whether it sounds like a good book to me ~ you have such a talent writing reviews ~ I’m awed by you.
Aw shucks. You’re making me blush.
seriously? is this author worth the hype? i’ve never picked up his novels–they seem so daunting–but i continually see good reviews of his books. could this be the day i break down and buy one??? i just don’t want to be the one person to get halfway through and want to throw the book. i CANNOT break up with books and don’t want to punish myself! lol.
ps. was it nice and warm in NJ today? mwa ha ha. i’m in orlando where it was 72.
pluto sends his regards. xoxoxo
Oh … you are pure evil!!! It is 11 here in NJ today. 11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And it is so hard to predict if someone will like this book or not. I can’t break up with a book either, so I was glad I kept reading.
Wow, what an honest review. I think I need to venture into this book.
It was an interesting read … that is for sure!
This is on my I-want-to-read list for 2011 and I’ve heard very mixed reviews. You make it sound worth reading with this review!
I do think it is worth reading … but like I said, I was on the fence for a good portion of the book. I do think it is a polarizing book.
My book club took it off their list though because of the bad language…
made me want to read it more though!
I would have the same reaction!!!
That would make me want to read it more!
I still haven’t read Corrections so I’m not sure I’m ready for Freedom yet. Sooner or later I need to read both.
Well, you aren’t legally obligated to read both. But I do think Franzen is one of those authors that you feel like you need to read (at least once) to be “well-read,” you know?
I haven’t even tried to read this book because I tried several times to read The Corrections, but never could get into it. You make it sound interesting, but also one that I’d have to push through. Maybe I’ll get on the list to check it out at the library…that way I have nothing invested in it.
And no guilt if you decide to abandon it partway through.
The reviews for this one seem to be all over the place. I have it on audio and do intend to give it a try. I sure hope the narrator is good!
I do think it is a “love it or hate it” book. I’ve heard that the audio was pretty well done.
I liked the audio version as well. Flawed characters generally speak to me — LOL
I heard the audio was pretty well done. I thought it would be a difficult one to read … the writing is not straightforward for a narrator in parts. I think flawed characters are the best.
I don’t know, I don’t know. Your review makes me sort of want to read it now….
I would be sooooo curious to see what you think of it. I really can’t tell if you would hate it or love it.