"Vineland," by Thomas Pynchon

FM's rating:

1. Premise 6

2. Prose 8

3. Plot 4

4. Characters 6

5. Overall 6

Comments (optional – but try to keep it under 3000 words!)

Thomas Pynchon is one of those authors who write so well their books ought to be great.  (Classic example: James Joyce.) Subsequently, the “experts” tell us they are.  Here, he’s trying to be cutting edge, modern and unique.  For some readers maybe he succeeds, but for me it comes off as rather pretentious and the result is a spectacular non-success.  He is so intent on running the plotline through an aesthetic Cuisinart that it never gains any traction.  A pity.

Here’s the May line-up: 

“The Robber Bride,” by Margaret Atwood [5/2]

“Do Unto Others,” by Jeff Abbott [5/9]

“Salem Falls,” by Jodi Picoult [5/16]

“Rabbit, Run,” by John Updike [5/23]

“Murder on the Orient Express,” by Agatha Christie [5/30]