Mark Z. Danielewski's new novel "Tom's Crossing" is an epic western saga that defies conventional storytelling norms, much like his infamous debut "House of Leaves". Clocking in at over 1,200 pages and boasting a staggering 500,000 words, this behemoth of a book is not for the faint of heart.
The story centers around Kalin March, a 16-year-old outsider who forms an unlikely friendship with Tom Gatestone, a charismatic and popular young man. When Tom dies of cancer, Kalin makes a promise to save their beloved horses from the knacker's yard. What ensues is a perilous journey through the wilderness, joined by Tom's plucky adopted sister Landry and even his ghost.
At its core, "Tom's Crossing" is a western-inflected tale of survival, family feuds, and primal struggle against the forces of nature and human malevolence. The author's use of language and narrative structure adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, as the novel is presented as the transcription of an oral account.
Danielewski's writing style is, as expected, eccentric and deliberate in its self-indulgence. He employs a peculiar blend of Homeric and folkloric tones, peppered with arcane words and slang that can be both captivating and infuriating. The narrative voice is a unique blend of the familiar and the obscure, veering wildly between erudition and colloquialism.
While Danielewski's ambition and vision are undeniably impressive, his novel often feels like an exercise in intellectual showmanship rather than genuine storytelling. The author seems more concerned with exploring the intricacies of human nature and the power of art to shape our perceptions than with crafting a cohesive narrative that engages the reader on a deeper level.
For fans of literary fiction, "Tom's Crossing" may prove to be a rewarding experience, offering insights into the human condition and the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world. However, for those seeking a straightforward western tale of heroism and adventure, this novel is unlikely to deliver. The result is a book that is both challenging and polarizing – a true masterpiece or a frustrating exercise in self-indulgence?
The story centers around Kalin March, a 16-year-old outsider who forms an unlikely friendship with Tom Gatestone, a charismatic and popular young man. When Tom dies of cancer, Kalin makes a promise to save their beloved horses from the knacker's yard. What ensues is a perilous journey through the wilderness, joined by Tom's plucky adopted sister Landry and even his ghost.
At its core, "Tom's Crossing" is a western-inflected tale of survival, family feuds, and primal struggle against the forces of nature and human malevolence. The author's use of language and narrative structure adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, as the novel is presented as the transcription of an oral account.
Danielewski's writing style is, as expected, eccentric and deliberate in its self-indulgence. He employs a peculiar blend of Homeric and folkloric tones, peppered with arcane words and slang that can be both captivating and infuriating. The narrative voice is a unique blend of the familiar and the obscure, veering wildly between erudition and colloquialism.
While Danielewski's ambition and vision are undeniably impressive, his novel often feels like an exercise in intellectual showmanship rather than genuine storytelling. The author seems more concerned with exploring the intricacies of human nature and the power of art to shape our perceptions than with crafting a cohesive narrative that engages the reader on a deeper level.
For fans of literary fiction, "Tom's Crossing" may prove to be a rewarding experience, offering insights into the human condition and the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world. However, for those seeking a straightforward western tale of heroism and adventure, this novel is unlikely to deliver. The result is a book that is both challenging and polarizing – a true masterpiece or a frustrating exercise in self-indulgence?
. His storytelling style is undeniably unique and bold, but at the same time, it can be super confusing 
. The fact that he's presenting the story as an oral account adds a layer of complexity, but also makes it hard to fully invest in the narrative 
. I mean, I appreciate his ambition and willingness to explore the human condition, but sometimes I feel like he's more concerned with showcasing his linguistic skills than actually telling a compelling story 
. Still, for fans of literary fiction who can appreciate the intricacies of language and narrative structure, this book might be a real treat 
. But for those looking for a good ol' fashioned western tale, you might wanna look elsewhere 
. Overall, I'm still on the fence about whether it's a masterpiece or just a bunch of hot air 
That's just crazy talk! I mean, if you're one of those folks who loves getting lost in a good story, then more power to ya. But for the rest of us, that's just asking for a serious time commitment 
. And don't even get me started on all the weird words and slang - it's like he's trying to make a point or something 
This "Tom's Crossing" is like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the manual - it's going to require some patience, effort, and understanding of the author's intentions. Love it or hate it, Danielewski's masterpiece is definitely a conversation starter! 
i think fans of literary fiction will love it though, it's all about explorin' human nature and art and all that jazz 
but if u're lookin for a straightforward western tale? maybe not so much 
. Danielewski's style is def eccentric and I'm here for it, but at the same time, sometimes it feels like he's more interested in showing off his literary chops than actually telling a good story 
. Still, if you're into that sorta thing, "Tom's Crossing" might be the book equivalent of a "Twin Peaks"-style mystery - all weird and wonderful 
!
. btw has anyone else read this? what did u think?! 
. I mean, have you ever seen so many words strung together like that? 500k and over 1200 pages? That's just insane! 
I'm not sure if I'd call it a masterpiece or a frustrating exercise in self-indulgence... maybe it's both? 
. 1,200 pages?! Are you kidding me?! Can't he just tell a story for once without making it all about how clever he is? 
... I mean, what can you even say about this guy? The dude is like the literary equivalent of a Renaissance fair performer - all flash, no substance 
. Don't get me wrong, his writing style is undeniably unique and will either blow your mind or make you wanna pull your hair out 
... I mean, who uses words like "garrulous" in a narrative about horses? 
.