Customer Reviews

Watching TV with the Red Chinese: A Novel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mr. Whisnant takes us to a level of self awareness that we may not care to see in ourselves. Who are we as Americans? Can any of us pinpoint what makes us an American? Whisnant uses the first person, third party perspective to try and answer such questions. The structure of the story is clever, Mr. Whisnant uses the "filming" of the Chinese men to tie in various segments of his book. A great way to visualize the characters. And I especially enjoyed the eroticism between the main character Dexter and his 'love' Suzanne. Too bad the "bathtub" scene couldn't have been more detailed. But perhaps that can be enhanced in another 'possible world'.

I discovered this book serendipitously about five years ago. It's fantastic. Funny, wise and poignant in ways that most modern novels of the past two decades have completely missed. I kept waiting for another book...but I guess this one wasn't such a hit. Too bad. Luke Whisnant seemed to have real insight to the outsiders among us and a compassion that is all too rare in young novelists.

I have read other works of the author and greatly enjoyed his storytelling style. This novel lived up to my expectations from the earlier reads. Highly recommended!

I was fortunate enough to take classes at East Carolina University with Luke serving as my Associate Professor. The man flat-out knows how to write concise, tight and poignant prose. Just for better understanding of his style, I bought this book and read it prior to taking my second class of his - it's very good. His short stories are exemplary as well, and could be found with some good searching skills.