Now in paperback! From the acclaimed author of The Whiskey Rebels and A Conspiracy of Paper comes a superb new historical thriller set in the splendor and squalor of eighteenth-century London. In Benjamin Weaver, David Liss has created one of fiction’s most enthralling characters.  “A treat for lovers of historical fiction. . . .accomplished, atmospheric, and thoughtful.”— Washington Post “As distinguished by the compelling voice of its narrator as it is by its vibrant detail.”— Denver Post

On the one hand, I thought Ron Charles’s Washington Post video review of Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom was laugh-out-loud hilarious.  I also thought he nailed what was both great and lacking in the novel, and I think those things without having read the novel itself.  That’s how much I’ve learned about this book prior to its publication.  I’m glad I don’t need to read it, because I haven’t even received my copy, and I’m already tired of thinking about it.

On the other hand, I’m enough of a cantankerous, survivalist type to worry a little bit about book reviews now needing to come in punchy video format in order to get anyone’s attention.  Surely people who read books ought to be willing to take the time to read reviews, no?  Now, if you will excuse me, I need to chase some kids off my lawn.

4 Comments »