Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

A satire on two generations of Americans and the American dream (or, more accurately, dreams), Jonathan Franzen wrote a book that at times seems more case-study than novel. Because of this, for a good part of the book, the characters seem almost more caricature than individual. Of course, the big twist in the end is that they are not caricatures.

Franzen takes on suburban ennui and entitlement. Then, perhaps despite himself, he affirms the value–sacredness, even–of family in the midst of national emergency, friendship and family dysfunction (an over-diagnosed and -dramatized condition in life, in my opinion) and personal pain. In other words, true freedom is found within boundaries. We find the true expression of ourselves in relationship. While this theme is primarily conveyed within familial boundary and love, he tackles it also in political and environmental.

Franzen’s one weakness is to insert himself too strongly politically, giving characters long speeches to prove a point, showing one political side as reasonable, selfless, and giving while another as selfish, opportunistic, and manipulative. While I agree with some of his points and disagree with others, these sections and points were preachy and lent themselves to forming cardboard characters.

All in all, Freedom is a thoughtful book that I highly recommend as we consider what it means to live (and raise children) in suburban America.