![]() ![]() Franzen persuades readers to identify with the generally unlikeable Russ, whose story centers on his illicit relationship with an alluring young parishioner, Frances Cottrell. Their struggles underlie the novel’s controlling idea that deep suffering is universal but often unseen. Russ, Marion and Becky are particularly flawed but painfully relatable and psychologically intricate. One of Franzen’s greatest strengths lies in characterization. As these characters search for redemption within and outside the sphere of faith, this novel - in a shift from much of Franzen’s prior writing - embraces the idea of finding salvation in Christ. Russ Hildebrandt, his wife Marion, their daughter Becky and sons Clem and Perry - who grapple with a paralyzing sense of unworthiness. The novel follows five members of a dysfunctional Midwestern U.S. ![]() (REVIEW) Jonathan Franzen’s latest novel, “Crossroads,” testifies to humanity’s desperate, unremitting search for grace and ability to find it in unlikely places. ![]()
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