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A review by williamtheblind
Fathers and Crows by William T. Vollmann
5.0
I've read a lot of books in my time. This is the only one that has ever given me an erection of the heart.
If non-conventional narratives bother you, than you should probably be checking out James Patterson's novel-of-the-week.
Fathers And Crows will take you elsewhere. Vollmann truly understands the grammar of the heart and, as one novelist once wrote me, is "the hurdy-wordy man," bringing 900+ pages to the scene. Sure, his editors beg for cuts, cry for the trees that will be sacrificed. To his credit, big Bill says "Fuck it. I'll take no royalties to have it published in full." Thanks, Bill. I, for one, have been touched by your greatness.
When Bill wins the Nobel, I expect to be invited. I sang the cry in the early days and I sang the cry here.
And, for me, it all started with this book. As the National Book Award has become more adventurous in recent years (Vollmann, Powers, Johnson...whoulda thunk it), my hope burns bright and springs eternal (the Red Sox fan in me). See you in Stockholm, someday, you fucking genius, you.
If non-conventional narratives bother you, than you should probably be checking out James Patterson's novel-of-the-week.
Fathers And Crows will take you elsewhere. Vollmann truly understands the grammar of the heart and, as one novelist once wrote me, is "the hurdy-wordy man," bringing 900+ pages to the scene. Sure, his editors beg for cuts, cry for the trees that will be sacrificed. To his credit, big Bill says "Fuck it. I'll take no royalties to have it published in full." Thanks, Bill. I, for one, have been touched by your greatness.
When Bill wins the Nobel, I expect to be invited. I sang the cry in the early days and I sang the cry here.
And, for me, it all started with this book. As the National Book Award has become more adventurous in recent years (Vollmann, Powers, Johnson...whoulda thunk it), my hope burns bright and springs eternal (the Red Sox fan in me). See you in Stockholm, someday, you fucking genius, you.