Quick--one word to describe what the prostesters in Egypt are seeking?
Good chance that you might choose the word "freedom", a concept for which so many have struggled and in some cases given their lives. But it is also an idea that has many meanings (it can even be an adjective modifying a fried potato!), which makes Jonathan Franzen's novel Freedom an interesting read at this time. This isn't the place nor I the writer to discuss the book's literary merits; rather, I'd like to share some of the concepts of freedom I thought about reading the book and how it relates to current events. Before launching into that theme, I would say that Freedom has a tight story line that keeps you moving through the 500+ pages; Franzen seems to be primarily concerned with telling a story and developing his characters as opposed to making a political statement (though he sprinkles them in!). It was simply a good launching point for me to reflect upon the idea of freedom, and is a worthwhile read for both entertainment and reflection.Read more
