The allure of Jonathan Franzen’s novels for me rests wholly in the characters he creates that stick to you long after you’ve put down the book. People so real and familiar you forget that they exist only on the page. The scenes from their lives come back to you as if memories from your own. The dialogue blurs with conversations you’ve had in your own life. In “Crossroads” we get more of the same in characters whose situations and interactions illuminate all the nuances of American culture and the human experience. They are gritty, unnerving, uplifting, and raw. I found myself desperately seeking out moments to open the pages and see more of their journeys play out. The setting, the time, and mood were distant and yet familiar all at once. That familiarity owing to the drama fest that plays out. In it we learn a lot about a broken family and even more about religion, politics, society, and the taboos of 70’s America. In particular, I liked how Franzen’s characters highlight the stories we tell ourselves to fill in the blanks created by things going unsaid. Those stories creating rifts and divides that keep us from ever really getting to know each other. Franzen’s plots feel like you are driving towards a storm. Navigating through the madness, hoping not to get hurt along the way. Ultimately, arriving at a semblance of calm again. A peace that comes at a cost. A price purchased in the ramble of the lives of his characters and your own self awareness in how you relate to them. The reward is a calming self reflection that is grounded in truth. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that this book is the first part of trilogy. Spanning decades of American life; I cannot wait to see where this American Saga takes us. Though told from the perspective of only one of the country’s many racial groups, you can’t blame Franzen for writing about what he knows best. It’s authentic and therefore compelling.

A little opaque, sometimes, for those who are more secular in experience, but worth reading--another corner of American life revealed.

So many characters to dislike. Well written but a burden to live with those characters.

I did not like any of the characters all were in some form or other pathetic

Engrossing and then torturous. Interesting and then repetitive. I enjoyed it but also felt twisted and confused. I’d recommend it - even though it is very long - just to be able to hear other opinions.

Masterfully decomposed and broken down characters - each with their unique back stories made me relate to each one of them, and be understanding of their motives and actions.

Overwritten. Even the first two pages are glum and depressing. Why go further?

I really wanted to like this more than I did. Intriguing story with truly unlikable people at the heart of it. And one of those books with too many words cluttering up the story. I like multiple perspective chapters which this definitely has… But just not as fabulous as I wanted it to be. Love the 70s and a lot of that I remember. Just truly dislikable people.

This novel tells a good story about members of a family from several points of view. Jumps around in time but is engaging and makes you want to know what choices the characters will make at critical points in the family’s unraveling. I do wish the characters were a bit more sympathetic but still found them fascinating.

😳