Netherland by Joseph O’Neill

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book felt like a really long poem rather than a novel. I say this because the prose is so beautiful it really borders on poetry. The story, though, is almost negligible. We’re told what happens from the beginning: Chuck dies. The rest of it is a drawn-out exploration of Hans’ psyche as he wanders, ghost-like, through his NY life, his semi-divorce, and his friendship with Chuck.

Hans is a weak character, even as he narrates with wisdom that seems naive and deep at the same time. He doesn’t change, evolve, or confront conflicts head-on. He doesn’t take charge (well he tries, but the results were awkward, to say the least.) Basically, he spends his time bouncing off of Chuck, and the insides of his skull.

Full entry »