Very disappointing, with two-dimensional characters who might be going through any traumatic event. As such, it felt almost as if 9/11 was being exploited by DeLillo here, especially as the depth is more superficial than incisive. The only saving grace of the book is the last section which is masterfully done and shows a sincere sense of humanity, compassion, and how interlocked all our lives truly are that the rest of the book lacks. ( )

Der Falling Man ist ein Mann, den ein Foto zeigt, wie er an den Türmen des World Trade Centers am 11.09.2001 in seltsam eleganter Pose hinunterstürzt. Im Buch ist der Falling Man ein Performance-Künstler, der diesen Fall nach dem 11. September im öffentlichen Raum nachstellt. Lianne, eine der Hauptfiguren des Buches, begegnet ihm.
Lianne ist die Exfrau von Keith, der während des Anschlags im WTC war. Er kann sich retten, kann aber sein Leben nicht mehr aufnehmen. Trotz des Halts, den ihm Lianne und auch der gemeinsame Sohn Justin geben, kann Keith psychisch nicht gesunden.
Das Buch hat viele gute Elemente, etwa Liannes Demenzgruppe. Eine gute Figur ist der Liebhaber von Liannes Mutter, ein Deutscher, der der RAF zumindest sehr nahestand, der also Terrorismus von der „gottlosen, westlichen, weißen“ Seite symbolisiert.
Dennoch möchte ich nicht verhehlen, dass ich klassisches Erzählen mehr schätze, als den in diesem Buch verwendeten Stil, der additiv und oft ereignislos das Leben dieser Menschen nach dem 11. September darstellt.
Mit der Perspektive des Attentäters konnte ich gar nichts anfangen. ( )

This is one of the worst books I have ever read in my life and I’ve read thousands of books. The writing is tedious and the entire book is poorly written. The characters are dull, poorly developed, and as one-dimensional as cardboard. The plot is likewise dull, boring, and all over the place, making it difficult to follow. Following the story line is difficult as knowing who is being referenced is not made clear. Much of the book is written in the second person and it is impossible to know who “you” is referring to. Other paragraphs are written in the third person and it switches back and forth in the same chapter. The plot line is not engaging or compelling at all and drags on and on, not saying or going anywhere. Extremely boring.

If this was not bad enough, the dialogue is stilted and unlike anyone I’ve ever heard speak. Most of the dialogue is untagged and it is impossible to know who is speaking. Don’t waste your time or money.

Book about 9/11. During/After. Intense. ( )

"Ma forse si sbagliava su ciò che era ordinario. Forse niente lo era. Forse esisteva una piega profonda nella trama delle cose, nel modo che hanno le cose di attraversare la mente, che è poi anche l'unico posto in cui esiste in maniera significativa "