The novel is praised as a masterpiece, with the reviewer noting Mailer's ability to mute his worst impulses and create a stylistic tour-de-force. The reviewer finds the novel fully deserving of its acclaim.
This review celebrates the novel as a masterpiece, highlighting Mailer's skill in crafting a stylistic tour-de-force. The reviewer appreciates how Mailer manages to balance his personal flaws with his literary genius, resulting in a work that is both deeply moving and intellectually stimulating. They note that the novel's exploration of themes such as enlistment, identity, and societal expectations is both timely and timeless. The reviewer also praises the novel's experimental style, which adds a layer of complexity and richness to the reading experience.
Quick quotes
It's a masterpiece, fully deserving of the praise it has received.
Mailer muted his worst impulses and created a stylistic tour-de-force that ...
It is impossible to walk away from this novel without being sharply reminded of the fact that Norman Mailer is a writer of extraordinary ability.