Nick Peters Peters itibaren 24030 Roncola BG, Italy
I am going to try to do this book justice, although my ability to write a compelling book review is sadly lacking (especially considering my current profession). It is very rare for me to have such visceral reactions while reading books. This book led to moments of deep anger, complete sadness, and some despair (occasionally so deep that I felt the emotions in the pit of my stomach). Waldman's writing is wonderful, and the storyline is compelling (and very realistic). At first the title seems straightforward: it refers to the plan submitted to the jury for what is assumed to be a 9/11 Memorial, a plan that after a blind process wins the contest and then is found to be designed by a Muslim. However, it is much more clever than that: it also refers to people's submission to fear, to anger, to self-righteousness, to group dynamics, to appearances, to pride. In other words, a much more psychological and less concrete "submission." I thought Waldman's handling of the subject was even-handed; regardless of which side of the debate you would fall on, she did well in creating an environment where both sides (although not necessarily all people on each side) evoke empathy. This is one of the best books I've read this year, and also one of the most though provoking. In terms of what has become known as the "9/11 Novel," this one is, as the NY Times said, a great memorial.