Don DeLillo: The Physics of Language : Book Review

David Cowart's book on Don DeLillo offers a deep and comprehensive analysis of the acclaimed author's body of work. As both a scholar and critic, Cowart provides readers with a detailed exploration of DeLillo's literary themes and techniques, uncovering the unique style that has made him a prominent figure in contemporary literature.

The book begins by providing readers with a brief biography of DeLillo, highlighting important moments in the author's life that have influenced his writing career. Cowart delves into DeLillo's upbringing and early influences, demonstrating how these experiences have shaped his works and contributed to his distinctive voice.

Cowart then delves into a thorough examination of DeLillo's major novels, including his iconic works such as "White Noise" and "Underworld." Through his analysis, Cowart skillfully explores the recurring themes of technology, consumerism, and the fear of death that permeate DeLillo's narratives. By unraveling these themes, Cowart offers valuable insights into how they are developed and explored throughout DeLillo's body of work.

One of the notable strengths of Cowart's book is his ability to uncover the cultural and historical contexts that have influenced DeLillo's writing. He highlights the impact of events like the Cold War and the September 11th attacks on DeLillo's narratives, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the social and political undertones present in his works.

Written in an engaging and accessible style, Cowart's prose makes the book an enjoyable read for both scholars and casual readers interested in Delillo's works. His analysis is enriched by extensive research and references to critical theories, further deepening the readers' understanding of DeLillo's writing style and his significance in the literary canon.

What are readers saying?

David Cowart's book on Don DeLillo has received a range of feedback from readers. Some found the book to be a valuable resource, praising Cowart's extensive analysis and insights into DeLillo's works. They appreciated the depth with which Cowart explored the themes and motifs in DeLillo's novels, offering fresh perspectives and interpretations. These readers remarked on the thoroughness and thought-provoking nature of the analysis, which illuminated the complexities of DeLillo's literary style.

However, there were others who found Cowart's book to be overly academic and challenging to engage with. They felt that the writing style was dense and inaccessible, making it difficult to fully grasp the material. Some reviewers suggested that the book would be better suited for scholars or students studying DeLillo's works in an academic context. They believed that a more accessible approach, with clearer explanations and less reliance on complex theoretical concepts, would have enhanced the reading experience.

While there were readers who appreciated Cowart's insights, they also noted occasional instances where the analysis became unnecessarily complex. They believed that the book could have been improved with a more straightforward approach, offering clearer explanations.

Despite these criticisms, many reviewers agreed that Cowart's book offered a comprehensive overview of DeLillo's body of work. The inclusion of lesser-known essays and speeches by DeLillo added depth to the analysis and was highly appreciated. Overall, the book may not be suitable for all readers, but for those interested in delving deeply into DeLillo's writing, it provided a wealth of knowledge.