The Body Artist
Back of the Book
The Body Artist begins with normality: breakfast between a married couple, Lauren and Rey, in their ramshackle rented house on the New England coast. Recording their delicate, intimate, half-complete thoughts and words, Don DeLillo proves himself a stunningly unsentimental observer of our idiosyncratic relationships. But after breakfast, Rey makes a decision that leaves Lauren utterly alone, or seems to. As Lauren, the body artist of the title, becomes strangely detached from herself and the temporal world, the novel becomes an exploration of a highly abnormal grieving process; a fascinating expose of 'who we are when we are not rehearsing who we are'; and a rarefied study of trauma and creativity, absence and presence, isolation and communion.
We Love It Because
Don DeLillo proves himself a master of observation in this quiet, meditative look at desolation and grief within the confines of love. DeLillo seems to be looking to answer, however ‘unsentimental’ he may present, the question of what it is we do with leftover love, as he depicts a woman with a life consumed by art.
Memorable Passage
Why shouldn't the death of a person you love bring you into lurid ruin? You don't know how to love the one you love until they disappear abruptly. Then you understand how thinly distanced from their suffering, how sparing of self you often were, only rarely unguarded of heart, working your networks of give-and-take.
About the Author
Don DeLillo, born on November 20, 1936, is a highly influential American novelist acclaimed for his explorations of contemporary culture, technology, and the human condition. With a career spanning several decades, DeLillo has crafted a body of work that reflects the complexity of modern society. His novels, including White Noise, Underworld, and Libra, showcase his mastery of language and his ability to dissect the anxieties and paradoxes of the contemporary world. DeLillo's writing delves into the intersection of politics, media, and individual lives, offering profound insights into the collective consciousness of the times. Known for his distinctive prose style and keen observations, DeLillo's work has earned him numerous awards, cementing his reputation as a literary giant. He is worth knowing for his contribution to postmodern literature, his prescient analysis of societal shifts, and his ability to provoke thought and reflection on the intricate tapestry of the modern world.
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