Jennifer Egan – A Visit From the Goon Squad
Ugh, I feel like such a bandwagon jumper posting this the day after it won the Pulitzer Prize, but HONEST, I’d already written this up, and why not be topical instead of hopelessly behind the times for once. In any case, you don’t really need my thoughts: didn’t I say already it just won the Pulitzer? There is a reason, my friends, so GET IT NOW.
Here are my own observations. A Visit From the Goon Squad is a classic example of why it is good to read beyond your own prejudices. A book about two fairly unlikeable characters? Which is more or less a collection of short stories? Which has a WHOLE CHAPTER in powerpoint? These are all things which would normally set my alarm bells ringing.
In fact, the only reason why I shut the alarm off is because I was really intrigued by the title. Though I have to confess that I must have completely missed something, because I still don’t know who the Goon Squad are.
If you haven’t already read fifteen million summaries of this book, it’s about Bennie, a record producer, and his assistant, Sasha. But it’s not really ABOUT them, they just turn up in other people’s stories: other people who are sometimes closely, and sometimes only fleetingly connected to them. (How strange the change from major to minor character…). All these other characters tell their own stories in very different styles and voices: first person, second person, third person, articles…even the notorious powerpoint chapter. There is nothing linear about the story, and no chronology. It is a very messy jigsaw where the pieces only loosely fit together, but which is therefore all the more satisfying when complete. It could be so overwhelming and confusing and irritating, but it is utterly brilliant. The last chapter, where people communicate through technology and text speak even when they are stood next to each other, seemed both terrifying and all-too-likely.
There is a very, very fine line between quirky, original, and ambitious and plain old annoying. (Personally, I think that Room strays well beyond that line, though I recognise that I am in a tiny minority here). I think that A Visit From the Goon Squad is firmly on the side of awesome. Simon vehemently disagrees. You?
Posted on April 19, 2011, in Uncategorized and tagged a visit from the goon squad, books, jennifer egan, literary fiction, orange prize, pulitzer prize, reading. Bookmark the permalink. 12 Comments.
Sadly, I have to disagree. I did not like Goon Squad at all. I guess the squad consists of all the narrators in the book that are introduced to us, whose time is running out? It’s like you said, a very fine line indeed, and for me she crossed it :/
You are not alone, I think this is very much a ‘love it, or hate it’ book.
I loved it, although I did not love the last chapter. I think it could have and should have nicely concluded with the Powerpoint. Although then Bennie would have been left open, so I understand it — it was just a little bit too obtuse at times. I especially did not like how texting in 10-odd years will destroy our ability to communicate in the English language. And just finished reading it on Sunday. Am now on to a Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Before Good Squad, I read Three Women. (Will respond to your review on that one). In sum, you are singularly responsible for my belated Christmas order from Barnes & Noble. Am now trying to get New Guy to read Goon Squad.
XO
Yes, I agree about the last chapter: though I don’t doubt the influence of texting on English.
I didn’t mind the ending as much as the F. And maybe someone already clarified this but the “Goon Squad” is a reference to time which is how I think Bennie refers to it in one of the chapters. I’m so so happy you read this – and will now have to check out Room as a result of your comparison. It’s on the “To-Read” list anyway. And you will find this hilarious but I am 75% of the way through Belle du Jour: Diary of a London Callgirl .
dude, I have had to edit your comment, as I am a respectable married lady/government employee now, and cannot have such mentions on the interwebs! I wouldn’t bother with Room.
LOL – sorry about that. I knew it was a bit racy though more racy in the inference than in reality. Good to know on Room – heard the 5 yro narrator was a bit annoying anyway. xoxo
I haven’t read this one, but I have heard that it’s a bit discombobulated. I had borrowed it from the library awhile back, but after hearing that returned it unread. Maybe I should give it another try.
Ooh, I definitely think so! Very much an unputdownable.
The more I hear about this book, the more I’m curious! I love books that is more a bunch of interconnected stories and there are multiple perspectives – so it feels more panoramic reading such a book than one-dimensional.
Years ago I read Egan’s Look at Me, which is about a model who loses her face in a car accident and a bunch of other stuff I’ve now forgotten. The book was nearly unbearable – I remember the main character being unlikeable, and not in any interesting way – but now, well, the Pulitzer! I’m going to have to read Goon Squad, only when I get around to posting on it it’s not going to be topical – more like “Shit, Egan won this prize so now i HAVE to give her another try.” Still not sure if I’m intrigued or repulsed by ideas like the powerpoint chapter.
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