Fact, Fiction, and Representation: Four Novels by Gilbert Sorrentino

by Louis MacKey

First ever full-length study of four works by Gilbert Sorrentino, the contemporary American novelist.

Gilbert Sorrentino is the most innovative and experimental writer now working in America. In a long and still continuing series of novels he has broken down the barriers of fictional realism in ways which undercut the traditionalboundaries between fact and fiction, exposing the problematical character of representation. However, although his position in contemporary American fiction is assured, he has not yet received the serious critical attention his work deserves. This volume is the first full length treatment of his work in depth and detail; it examines four novels published by Sorrentino in the 1980s (Crystal Vision, Odd Number, Rose Theatre and Misterioso), aiming to identify the critical and philosophical problems raised in his work and assessing his achievements in dealing with them.

110 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to determine if I'd be interested in reading any of the award winning Sorrentino's novels. The four novels explored here are " Crystal Vision" and a trilogy of "Odd Number" "Rose Theatre" and "Misterioso". I'd first read of him because he worked with Hubert Selby Jr on the manuscript of "Last Exit To Brooklyn".
In conclusion, I do want to read at least one of the books. Although his writing style may make for a slow read, I sense that there's a good deal of humor there. I don't think I want to commit to a trilogy so I'll start with "Misterioso"

[Mister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please note that the author's name is Louis Mackey, not Louis MacKey.