Book of the Month - September 2010

Freedom	Jonathan Franzen	FOURTH ESTATE	$32.99
This is the long-awaited novel from the author of “The Corrections”. Franzen has taken 9 years to write this book and does not disappoint. The story centres round the Berglund family, Patty and Walter. They meet at University in the 70s, marry quickly and have 2 kids. They renovate their home and try and live ethical, socially responsible lives. But Patty starts to unravel and Walter gets caught up in capitalist plots – what has gone wrong? Could their old friend Richard Katz have anything to do with the mess they seem to be in? Katz is enigmatic and appealing, an indie rockstar, who also builds decks. You will laugh and cry with Patty, Walter and Richard as they try and work out who they are, what they are supposed to be doing and what relationship they should have with each other. Franzen captures the dilemmas of modern living with a satirical but sympathetic pen.