Broom of the System by David Foster Wallace
I’m not going to lie, recently I have not been writing. In fact the last two books I read I flat out opted not to review. Perhaps they weren’t that good or perhaps it was just life happening around me that kept me from it. Nonetheless, I luckily picked up this book in just the nick of time.
The irony begins with the fact that this book takes place in Cleveland, Ohio. I started reading it not long before and during a recent trip I took to Youngstown, Ohio via Cleveland. The irony, or maybe it’s just plane weirdness, continues with the fact that Ohio is now referenced in two of my reviews (the other being “Ship of Gold”). Ohio certainly has it’s highlights but would I have expected it to be referenced twice already, not a chance.
I can’t remember who recommended this book to me but I must throw out a thanks to whoever that was. David Foster Wallace confounded me more and more as I continued through the book. Just when I thought there was no way that Wallace could impress me more with his writing, his story and bizarreness, he does. Although, I have to admit, without giving much away, that pages 312-325 (consisting of a single story and a single dream) is an example of the most disturbing yet captivating writing I’ve ever read.
Honestly this book is so packed with thought provoking ideas, symbolism (like the G.O.D.) and elements of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s philosophy of language that at times I was overwhelmed. For the record, don’t be fooled into thinking I was familiar with Wittgenstein prior to reading this book. I had to do some research and background work just like many of you may have to (here’s a good place to start… Wikipedia). But what is even more fascinating to me is that all this philosophy and deep thought invoking mumbo jumbo is worked into a very interesting and entertaining story. A story that makes you laugh and prevents you from putting the book down.
But where o where would I be if I weren’t critical of something. I have to tell you, the ending was outright bad. I suppose that was Wallace’s’ idea but it really bummed me out. Again, I won’t give anything away so you’re going to have to read it to find what I’m talking about.
A side note: while in the middle of the book I was at Book Passage at the Ferry Building and I enquired about a copy of Infinite Jest, another of Wallace’s books, and the attendant there asked me what Broom is about. And to be quite frank, I couldn’t answer her. I was not able to put into words exactly what this book is about. So… if you really want to find out, read it.
Ohio... Seriously?
