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46 pages 1 hour read

Falling Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

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Book Brief

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Don DeLillo

Falling Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

New York City • 2000s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Falling Man by Don DeLillo explores the lives of individuals affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, focusing on Keith Neudecker, a Tower survivor, who reconnects with his estranged wife, Lianne, and their son, Justin. The narrative delves into their attempts to cope with trauma, the complexities of human relationships, and various perspectives on the attacks.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Dark

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

3.6

17,172 ratings

43%

Loved it

35%

Mixed feelings

22%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Don DeLillo's Falling Man receives mixed reviews. Critics appreciate the novel's exploration of 9/11 trauma and its nuanced portrayal of fragmented lives. DeLillo's prose is often praised for its stark elegance. However, some find the narrative disjointed and characters underdeveloped, making it challenging to emotionally connect with the story.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Falling Man?

Readers who appreciate reflective narratives on modern human experiences and the impacts of major events will enjoy Falling Man by Don DeLillo. Fans of Jonathan Safran Foer's Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close or Ian McEwan's Saturday will find similar poignancy and depth in this exploration of life post-9/11.

3.6

17,172 ratings

43%

Loved it

35%

Mixed feelings

22%

Not a fan

Character List

Keith Neudecker

A lawyer who survives the September 11 attacks and struggles with identity and trauma as he navigates the aftermath, including a return to his estranged wife's home. His work at the World Trade Center had been central to his sense of success and self.

Keith Neudecker’s estranged wife, who is an editor living in New York City and experiences the September 11 attacks indirectly. Her work allows her a sense of control, and she grapples with feelings of alienation and the desire for meaning.

The young son of Keith Neudecker and Lianne Glenn, who experiences the 9/11 attacks largely through the altered behavior of the adults around him. He and his peers piece together their understanding of the event through fragments of overheard conversations.

Lianne Glenn's mother, a character with artistic inclinations who struggles with self-doubt and relies on substances like cigarettes and painkillers. Her biases and preferences affect her relationships and perspectives, particularly regarding Lianne's marriage.

A Middle Eastern character who becomes one of the terrorists involved in the September 11 attacks. His narrative explores his life before the attacks and his radicalization, providing a nuanced portrayal of his character.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

New York City • 2000s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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