Great American Novel

[alanajoli]

Publishers Weekly had a great short article responding to the Chicago Trib's recent column, "Choosing the Great American Novel." (The Trib requires registration, which is free, but probably comes with junk mail.)

The gist of the Trib article is this: Julia Keller, cultural critic, every so often gets to wondering what novel she's read really captures the essence of America. In 2003, she selected An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. ("What can I say?" wrote Keller. "It was that kind of year.")

"Selecting a novel that encapsulates a nation's soul is a sneaky means of interrogating your deep beliefs about the place, your prejudices and your expectations," Keller wrote. This year, under those guidelines, she considered The Great Gatsby (for its qualities of reinvention) and The Grapes of Wrath (for its tragedy). After some consideration, she decided on American Psycho.

My response, having read the PW reaction before the actual article, was that I would choose Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Certainly reinvention, certainly tragedy--but it also has a happy ending and is full of hope, the possibility that anyone can make good, which is one of those myths about America that I've always preferred to realism. I could also briefly consider Coyote Blue, by Christopher Moore, but I'm not sure that his sexy comedies of errors qualify.

I'd also like to consider what might be called the Great American Fantasy Novel. Now that I'm reading a lot of urban fantasy actually set in the states, that would be fun to consider...

What would your pick be, for either?

Comments

[elven-wolf.livejournal.com]

That's a tough question. America is so many different things to so many different people. My experience is also different from those born and raised in the US. I was born in the states, but raised in Puerto Rico. I think if we're talking fantasy, I'd probably choose American Gods by Neil Gaiman (ironically--or maybe fittingly--a British author). I'm actually kind of sore that title is taken, though, it'd be perfect for my book. But hey, that just gives me more incentive to be creative and come up with something else.

[alanajoli.livejournal.com]

I wondered about American Gods (and also wonder if Gaiman isn't an American citizen now, as he's been living in Minneapolis for an awfully long time!). It occurred to me, but a I haven't read it, I couldn't commit. ;)

[elven-wolf.livejournal.com]

I don't know if he's a citizen. I don't remember reading anything in his blog about it, but I'm not always looking for such tidbits of info. However, I do highly recommend American Gods.

Completely off-topic, but!

[amieroserotruck.livejournal.com]

Before I forget AGAIN, thank you so much for the lovely postcard! I did get it a while ago, although it did take longer because I'm at school and am having my mail forwarded. That was so sweet, thanks for thinking of me!

Re: Completely off-topic, but!

[alanajoli.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome! I'm glad it arrived safe and sound. ;)

Re: Completely off-topic, but!

[amieroserotruck.livejournal.com]

Yup! It's very cool looking too, I love ruins!

Great American Novel

[(Anonymous)]

My first choice would be "The Night Inspector" by Frederick Busch. Set in NYC in the time just after the Civil War, one of its main characters is Herman Melville. While the characters are great and the story riveting, it also says a lot about war, corruption, slavery, and evil in addition to dealing with the problems that writers deal with.