The Zero: A Novel (P.S.)
2 journalers for this copy...
Jess Walter was nominated as a finalist for the 2006 National Book Award in fiction for this work.
Opening a short time after the disastrous events of 9/11, THE ZERO follows hero cop Brian Remy through the social and political aftermath of that day. Remy wakes one morning to find he's accidentally shot himself in the head. Since then, he has been experiencing "gaps" in time and memory. His memory and consciousness blackout for days at a time, but apparently Remy can still function - and even succeed - at work.
Walter's main goal is to satirize post 9/11 America. And there is plenty of material to work with - the idolisation of fireman, the Department of Homeland Security, even the stages of grief. However, neither Walter nor his protagonist ever stop to consider why America has been in this state and what social and psychological gap needs to be painted over.
The main problem is the "gaps" gimmick. For most the novel, Remy pops in and out of scenes, usually playing along as best he can. He never has the opportunity to steer the story, or take decisive action. Walter constructs an intriguing but far too convoluted plot that never feels resolved. During his lucid moments, Remy finds himself beating suspects, and cheating on his girlfriend. Eventually, Remy realizes that the blackout him is far more ruthless and dedicated to freedom, than the conscious him. Obvious parallels can be drawn from this, and The Zero never wanders far from the obvious.
Some people have compared this to Joseph Heller or Kafka – but it doesn’t do it for me.
Opening a short time after the disastrous events of 9/11, THE ZERO follows hero cop Brian Remy through the social and political aftermath of that day. Remy wakes one morning to find he's accidentally shot himself in the head. Since then, he has been experiencing "gaps" in time and memory. His memory and consciousness blackout for days at a time, but apparently Remy can still function - and even succeed - at work.
Walter's main goal is to satirize post 9/11 America. And there is plenty of material to work with - the idolisation of fireman, the Department of Homeland Security, even the stages of grief. However, neither Walter nor his protagonist ever stop to consider why America has been in this state and what social and psychological gap needs to be painted over.
The main problem is the "gaps" gimmick. For most the novel, Remy pops in and out of scenes, usually playing along as best he can. He never has the opportunity to steer the story, or take decisive action. Walter constructs an intriguing but far too convoluted plot that never feels resolved. During his lucid moments, Remy finds himself beating suspects, and cheating on his girlfriend. Eventually, Remy realizes that the blackout him is far more ruthless and dedicated to freedom, than the conscious him. Obvious parallels can be drawn from this, and The Zero never wanders far from the obvious.
Some people have compared this to Joseph Heller or Kafka – but it doesn’t do it for me.
passing this on to another Bookcrosser.
accepted from jawin with thanks; this looks very intriguing . .
