Dysfunctional Family & Loss Of Sales: Dude, What Were You Thinking About?

If Jonathan Franzen's two previous novels brought him a lot of critical acclaim, without any doubt, The Corrections placed him on the literary map. In fact, he is the well-known and talented author of The Twenty-Seventh City" and Strong Motion which were published respectively in 1988 and 1992. He has been working on this new novel for quite some time. Based on the quality work he produced in the two previously mentioned books, a lot of hype was being built around The Corrections. After reading this book, I can say that, in many ways, he delivered to his readers, but he could have done a much better job by cutting on some of the long details about some of the characters' life. No matter, I hope to give credit to Franzen for walking in the footsteps of those who have tackled the various issues of family, happiness, unhappiness, insecurity, old age's diseases and the ever-present reality of distant family members.

Let's find out about the merit of this new work of fiction first: What has helped place it on the best-seller list?

Author Franzen is good at spinning, weaving the most emotional elements of life into a story focusing about a dysfunctional family. He has done this with such a great handle and understanding that the readers can not escape from being drawn into some of the verbal gymnastics that populate some of the pages of the novel. This is where some critics state that The Corrections may have suffered from its own weight of literary exuberance. The long-winded writing tends to take away from the story itself. No matter what, in my humble opinion, all is done in good taste. Whether he has done it to create elements of suspense or to allow the characters to creep in and get under the readers' skin, he comes out being a true guide and a great wordsmith. For sure, Frranzen does not make any economy of words to tell the hilarious, funny and sometimes serious story of the Lambert family.

Take a look at the family members: The presentation of the list of characters is a feast in this book

The story somewhat gets started with patriarch Albert, a man of great fortitude and discipline. He takes great pride in his accomplishments and inventions, one of which inspired a pharmaceutical giant to revolutionize the treatment of Parkinson's disease which he is battling. And Franzen won't hesitate to take on the multinationals. He has done it too when commenting on some larger societal issues such as laissez-faire parenting and U.S-Third world countries relations. Anyway, besides Albert, we find matriarch Enid, with her own failing health issues, who would like to see her scattered family return to the fictional city of St. Jude for a last Christmas together. What else can a family matriarch ask for? Franzen has such an interesting way with referring his readers to occasions of celebration evoking tender emotions. This is where the novel touches the souls of readers who may have found themselves in similar situations. For sure, The Corrections has come to focus on all the best wishes that each one of us has for our own family. Who would not like to be reunited with family members from all parts of the country during the holiday season, at Christmas? Franzen connects with all of us here. Enid would like to have this midwestern Christmas gathering so much that she starts telling everybody she knows about the arrival of her son, Gary. Everybody was made aware of the gathering.

The list of family members, important characters in the book continues. We find the family's son, Chip, who ended up losing a college sinecure by seducing a student. Sex sells, we all know that. Is Franzen trying to take on the reality that exists on some campuses where teachers date students in secret? Chip tried to rebound by deciding to become a screenwriter who dreams all kinds of grandiose ideas and follies.

Gary is the investment banker who works on Wall Street. His work takes him to Eastern Europe, especially, Lithuania where he gets involved in a scam. He represents the busy type who lives by this motto, "time is money." Despite all the hope that Enid had, Gary ended up staying only for three days in St. Jude. Depressed, he starts wondering how long he is going to be in his marriage. Obviously, he will bring his wife. Albert and Enid will host all the in-laws too.

Finally, we find the family's adult daughter, Denise. Just like any average American woman, she is on her first divorce. Unlike many others, she is at heart an entrepreneur who opened a chip restaurant in Philadelphia. She escaped a bad marriage, but she could not stay away from the traps of a married man who wasted her youth and beauty. Will she make it home to be with the Lambert patriarchs for the last Christmas gathering?

Based on the preceding presentation of characters, we can say that The Corrections takes a deep look at our culture, pains and insecurities that many families face. Despite all the grim situations, broken lives, depression, loss and unreached goals, this novel is about celebration and hope.

We can understand why Oprah Winfrey would fall for it

The O Factor and Franzen's apparent discomfort with her selection

We all know that once Oprah's anointed pick is a clear guarantee of more sales. She had invited Franzen to have dinner and appear on her show. Winfrey announced the choice of The Corrections on September 24. But the book had already been a best-seller. Her club's seal is on the jacket of The Corrections. But in comments made 9in the Oct. 12 edition of the Oregonian, Author Franzen considered turning down the pick. What? Is he turning down the thousands of sales which would come his way? Then, Oprah Winfrey had to write a statement disinviting him to the show. "It is never my intention to make anyone uncomfortable or cause anyone conflict. We have decided to skip the dinner and we're moving on to the next book." wrote Oprah. This guy blew it. He missed so many great opportunities to plug the book. It would be super with Oprah's public/audience. Somebody should have advised him! That's a major faux-pas that will stay with him for a long time. All a writer wants is to sell as many books as he can. If somebody who cares about reading is offering you an opportunity to have a great time with a thirsty audience, take it and be thankful! Franzen will learn when he sees his royalties.

A few days elapsed. Franzen realized the enormity of his blunder. Maybe under the pressure of his publisher and others familiar with the magic power of Oprah's club's anointment, Franzen said he is sorry. He is still waiting for a response from this influential and powerful lady. Keep in mind that nothing is removed from the quality and best-selling position of the book. More copies are in print right now. But chances to sell more are lost for ever. Maybe. Who knows what! Well, Franzen, I hope Oprah could read this e-mail and tell her audience to read it!