White Noise

by Don DeLillo
White Noise cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 2366
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9780330291088
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 1999-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

White Noise follows the Gladney family as their suburban life is upended by a toxic chemical spill, forcing them to confront the inevitability of death and the absurdity of modern existence. Jack Gladney, a professor of Hitler studies, struggles with his own mortality and the overwhelming presence of media and consumer culture in their lives. Don DeLillo's sharp wit and insightful social commentary make this a compelling exploration of contemporary anxieties and the human condition. The novel's unique blend of humor and horror creates a narrative that is both unsettling and thought-provoking.

Reviews
The Starving Artist · Devontre Varro Flaherty · 2024-03-26
engaging 4.50

The reviewer enjoyed the novel's exploration of family dynamics and existential themes, finding it both humorous and thought-provoking. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the novel's unique perspective on modern life.

Devontre Varro Flaherty found White Noise to be a captivating exploration of family life and existential dread. They particularly enjoyed the humor and wit interspersed throughout the narrative, which balanced the heavier themes of mortality and consumerism. The characters were praised for their complexity and relatability, making the novel's critique of modern society all the more impactful. Flaherty also noted the novel's unique structure and style, which added to its overall appeal. While they acknowledged that some readers might find the pacing slow, they believed the depth of the themes and the richness of the characters made it a rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    White Noise is a novel that balances humor and existential dread in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    The characters are complex and relatable, making the novel's critique of modern society all the more impactful.

    DeLillo's unique style and structure add an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

The Guardian · 2016-05-10
insightful 4.00

The book is praised for its critique of consumerism and modern life, though some find its focus on mundane topics limiting. It is seen as a significant work in postmodern literature.

The reviewer highlights DeLillo's unique ability to dissect contemporary culture, particularly the pervasive influence of consumerism and media. They appreciate the novel's satirical edge and its exploration of the human condition in a world saturated with information. However, they note that some readers might find the focus on everyday life and mundane settings less engaging, as it can feel more like an observation than a compelling narrative. Overall, the book is considered a notable addition to postmodern literature, offering a critical lens through which to view modern society.

Quick quotes

    The most frequent criticism I've read of White Noise is that by talking about advertising, suburbia, the supermarket, DeLillo isn't doing anything new.

    DeLillo's prose is sharp and incisive, cutting through the noise of modern life to reveal the absurdities beneath.

    White Noise is a masterclass in capturing the anxieties and trivialities of contemporary existence.

The New York Times · 1985-01-13
urgent 4.20

The novel is commended for its suspenseful and intelligent writing, with a sense of urgency that keeps readers engaged. It is seen as a significant work that captures the essence of postmodern literature.

The reviewer from The New York Times praised White Noise for its suspenseful and intelligent writing, highlighting DeLillo's ability to create a sense of urgency and tension throughout the narrative. They noted the novel's exploration of themes such as mortality, consumerism, and the human condition, which are woven seamlessly into the story. The reviewer also appreciated the novel's unique structure and style, which added to its overall impact. While they acknowledged that some readers might find the pacing slow at times, they believed the depth of the themes and the richness of the characters made it a significant work in postmodern literature.

Quick quotes

    There are suspense and an urgent intelligence to Mr. DeLillo's writing, a sense of the widening gyre and the tight-drawn net.

    White Noise is a novel that captures the essence of postmodern literature with its exploration of mortality, consumerism, and the human condition.

    DeLillo's unique structure and style add an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

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