Freedom, a novel by Jonathan Franzen

Several years ago I embarked on a self-improvement plan to read as many Pulitzer Prize winning novels as possible. After making my way through five or six, I realized there existed a common thread. Even though the quality of writing was superb, the plots were depressing, and the characters seemed to ride a track of bad fortune. Those of us who read for a temporary escape from reality should steer clear of award-winning fiction. (in my humble opinion)

Although not quite as troubling as The Color Purple or Grapes of Wrath, Jonathan Franzen's latest best seller, Freedom, A Novel, follows the path of those literary works considered serious literature. The plot, however, is almost nonexistant, containing little conflict to be resolved, only following the lives of some rather ordinary people.

Married couple, Walter and Patty Berglund, met while attending college in Minnesota during the radical 60's. Having little in common, they hook up because their roommates are dating. Patty is playing basketball on scholarship, and Walter is focused on graduating while supporting himself.

Walter is a man of causes. Ironically, two of those he supports are population control and feminism, while Patty only desires to be a stay-at-home mother. They produce two children and Patty immerses herself in their up-bringing. Walter is secretly disappointed Patty hasn't done more with her life.

The book follows the couple's lives from childhood to retirement. Even though there is no earthshaking excitement or passionate love affairs, the book actually works. A talented writer can make a tale involving the most mundane subject readable. Once started, this book is hard to put down. As the couple matures and changes through the years, a different slant on their personalities emerges. They both make some bad choices which affect their marriage, and move in directions which are not always favorable to personal contentment.

This novel is also chock-full of political and social ideology. Exactly how the author views these radical viewpoints is difficult to ascertain. I sense a little tongue-in-cheek feeling as he portrays the passion people bring to the causes they support.

Whether this book will actually be considered for a Pulitzer is not for me to say. (the committee hasn't called asking for my opinion) But Franzen certainly is a gifted writer, and has done well describing a period of time familiar to most of us. It is lengthy, covering a span of 60 plus years, so allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy it. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it a 9.